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Finding a dedicated creative writing program at a school you're excited about can be a real challenge, and that's even before you start worrying about getting in. Nonetheless, there are some great options. In order to help you find the best school for you, this list rounds up some of the best colleges for creative writing in the United States .

The Best Creative Writing Programs: Ranking Criteria

You should never take college rankings as absolute truth —not even the very official-seeming US News ones. Instead, use these kinds of lists as a jumping-off place for your own exploration of colleges. Pay attention not just to what the rankings are but to how the rankings are determined.

To help with that, I'll explain how I came up with this highly unscientific list of great creative writing colleges. I started by narrowing my search down to schools that offered a specific creative writing major. (If you don't see a school you were expecting, it's likely because they only have a minor.)

In ranking the schools, I considered five major criteria:

• #1: MFA Ranking —If a school has a great graduate creative writing program, it means you'll be taught by those same professors and the excellent graduate students they attract. Schools with strong MFA programs are also more likely to have solid alumni networks and internship opportunities. However, many schools with great undergrad programs do not offer MFAs, in which case I simply focused on the other four options.
• #2: General School Reputation —The vast majority of your classes won't be in creative writing, so it's important that other parts of the school, especially the English department, are great as well.
• #3: Extracurricular Opportunities —One of the key advantages of majoring in creative writing is that it can provide access to writing opportunities outside the classroom, so I took what kind of internship programs, author readings, and literary magazines the school offers into consideration.
• #4: Diversity of Class Options —I gave extra points to schools with a variety of genre options and specific, interesting classes.
• #5: Alumni/Prestige —This last criterion is a bit more subjective: is the school known for turning out good writers? Certainly it's less important than what kind of education you'll actually get, but having a brand-name degree (so to speak) can be helpful.

The Best Creative Writing Schools

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of schools! The exact numbering is always arguable, so look at it as a general trend from absolutely amazing to still super great, rather than fixating on why one school is ranked #3 and another is ranked #4.

#1: Northwestern University

Northwestern's undergrad creative writing program boasts acclaimed professors and an unparalleled track record of turning out successful writers (including Divergent author Veronica Roth and short-story writer Karen Russell).

Outside the classroom, you can work on the student-run literary journal, intern at a publication in nearby Chicago, or submit to the Department of English's yearly writing competition . The university is also home to a top journalism program , so if you want to try your hand at nonfiction as well, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so.

#2: Columbia University

Like Northwestern, Columbia is home to both a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school (plus one of the best English departments in the country), so you have a wide range of writing-related course options. Columbia also benefits from its location in New York City, which is bursting at the seams with publishing houses, literary journals, and talented authors.

#3: University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's big draw is the infrastructure of its graduate Writers' Workshop, which is often considered the best MFA program in the country.

As an English and Creative Writing major here, you'll take classes from great young writers and established professors alike, and get to choose from a wide range of topics. This major provides transferable skills important for a liberal arts major with a creative focus. You'll also have access to the university's impressive literary community, including frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and the acclaimed literary journal The Iowa Review .

#4: Emory University

Emory is renowned for its dedicated undergrad creative writing program , which draws the very best visiting scholars and writers. Students here have the chance to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors, study a range of genres, compete for writing awards and scholarships, and work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

#5: Oberlin College

A small liberal arts school in Ohio, Oberlin offers very different advantages than the schools above do. You'll have fewer opportunities to pursue writing in the surrounding city, but the quality of the teachers and the range of courses might make up for that. Moreover, it boasts just as impressive alumni, including actress and writer Lena Dunham.

#6: Hamilton College

Hamilton is another small college, located in upstate New York. It's known for giving students the freedom to pursue their interests and the support to help them explore topics in real depth, both inside and outside the classroom. Hamilton's creative writing program takes full advantage with small classes and lots of opportunities to intern and publish; it also has one of the best writing centers in the country.

#7: Brown University

Brown's Literary Arts program offers one of the top MFAs in the US as well as an undergraduate major . For the major, you must take four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which span an array of departments and topics, from music and literature to Middle East studies and Egyptology.

#8: Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University has an excellent creative writing MFA program, lots of super specific class options, and a number of scholarships specifically earmarked for creative writing students. This school’s undergraduate English program also offers a concentration in creative writing that allows students to specialize in a specific genre: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. If you’re interested in exploring your potential in a specific writing genre, Washington University could be a great pick for you.

#9: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT might not be a school you generally associate with writing, but it actually has an excellent program that offers courses in digital media and science writing, as well as creative writing, and provides plenty of guidance on how graduates can navigate the tricky job market.

Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, a haven for book lovers and writers of all kinds. Though it probably isn’t a good fit for students who hate science, MIT is a great place for aspiring writers who want to build writing skills that are marketable in a wide range of industries.

#10: University of Michigan

University of Michigan is one of the best state universities in the country and has a top-notch MFA program. This school’s undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications give students crucial practice in both building a writing portfolio and articulating their interest in creative writing to an audience who will evaluate their work. If you're looking to attend a big school with a great creative writing major, this is a fantastic choice.

#11: Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is another school that's known more for engineering than it is for writing, but, like MIT, it has a dedicated writing program. As a major here, you must take not only courses in prose, poetry, and literature, but also classes on topics such as philosophy and history.

#12: Colorado College

Colorado College is a small liberal arts school known for its block plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. The creative writing track of the English major includes a sequence of four writing workshops and also requires students to attend every reading of the Visiting Writers Series.

Bonus School: New York University

I didn't include NYU in the main list because it doesn't have a dedicated creative writing major, but it's a great school for aspiring writers nonetheless, offering one of the most impressive creative writing faculties in the country and all the benefits of a Manhattan location.

How To Pick the Best Creative Writing School for You

Just because Northwestern is a great school for creative writing doesn't mean you should set your heart on going there. (The football fans are completely terrifying, for one thing.) So where should you go then?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking at creative writing programs to help you determine the best school for you:

Does It Have Courses You're Interested In?

Look at the course offerings and see whether they interest you. While you can't predict exactly what classes you'll love, you want to avoid a mismatch where what you want to study and what the program offers are completely different. For example, if you want to write sonnets but the school focuses more on teaching fiction, it probably won't be a great fit for you.

Also, don't forget to look at the English courses and creative writing workshops! In most programs, you'll be taking a lot of these, too.

What Opportunities Are There To Pursue Writing Outside of Class?

I touched on this idea in the criteria section, but it's important enough that I want to reiterate it here. Some of the best writing experience you can get is found outside the classroom, so see what kind of writing-related extracurriculars a school has before committing to it.

Great options include getting involved with the campus newspaper, working on the school's literary journal, or interning at the university press.

Who Will Be Teaching You?

Who are the professors? What kind of work have they published? Check teacher ratings on Rate My Professors (but make sure to read the actual reviews—and always take them with a grain of salt).

If you're looking at a big school, there's a good chance that a lot of your teachers will be graduate students. But that's not necessarily a bad thing: a lot of the best teachers I had in college were graduate students. Just take into consideration what kind of graduate program the school has. If there's a great creative writing MFA program, then the graduate students are likely to be better writers and more engaged teachers.

What Are the Alumni Doing Now?

If you have a sense of what you want to do after you graduate, see if any alumni of the program are pursuing that type of career. The stronger the alumni network is, the more connections you'll have when it comes time to get a job.

What About the Rest of the School?

Don't pick a school for which you like the creative writing program but dread everything else about it. Most of your time will be spent doing other things, whether hanging out in the dorms, exploring off campus, or fulfilling general education requirements.

Many schools require you to apply to the creative writing major, so make doubly sure you'll be happy with your choice even if you aren't accepted to the program.

What's Next?

Are you sure a creative writing major is the right fit for you? Read our post on the pros and cons of the major to help you decide what path to take in college.

For more general advice about choosing a college, check out our complete guide to finding the right school for you. Some major factors to consider include deciding whether you're interested in a small college or a big university , an in-state or out-of-state institution , and a public or private school .

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Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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The 13 Best Colleges for Creative Writing Degrees

• 16-minute read
• 23rd February 2023

So, you want to pursue a creative writing degree program in the United States. Wonderful! If you are passionate about writing and you’re an avid reader, a career in fiction writing would be the way to go! When it comes to choosing the right MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program – in this case, creative writing – you might be wondering which schools have the best program. What career opportunities are there after graduation? What courses will I take in the program? What’s the admission process like?

A creative writing program will immerse you in your craft, help you develop writing discipline, and provide critical feedback on your writing. The program should also be highly reputable and produce top-quality writers.

You must decide whether you want to attend a public or a private college . This choice can be important because of student population size, tuition fees, and reputation. Private colleges will be considerably more expensive than public ones. Do you want to attend college in a small town or a big city? Is the school located somewhere that can provide ample writing inspiration? It’s important to know that some schools provide more student opportunities in their program, yet others have stronger networking connections. This distinction can be crucial once you’ve graduated from the program.

This post will highlight the benefits of a creative writing degree, including career opportunities after graduation. We’ll also discuss what you’ll need to apply. Finally, we’ll highlight our top list of creative writing schools in the United S tates. After you’ve read this post, you’ll better understand the opportunities these schools provide.

What Is a Creative Writing Degree?

A creative writing degree prepares you for a career as a writer of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or drama. It’s also suitable for those wishing to enter the field of editing or publishing. The program immerses students in writing and provides valuable writing opportunities and feedback.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates usually find jobs as authors, copywriters, journalists, editors, columnists, or screenwriters. Additionally, graduates find opportunities to become editors for big publishing agencies, which work with some of the most famous best-selling fiction authors.

What Subjects Are Typically Covered?

You can expect to take plenty of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry workshops. Almost all programs provide compulsory introduction to fiction and poetry classes. In addition, you’ll likely take courses in screenwriting, medieval literature, and traditions in fiction. Finally, some courses focus on writing prompts (a daddy for writing inspiration).

Factors to Consider in Choosing a College for a Creative Writing Degree

Although the following factors will vary from college to college, you should consider them carefully:

●  Location and campus culture

●  Faculty and resources available

●  Alumni network and professional connections

●  Internships and work opportunities (internships will provide valuable work experience)

Admission Process

You should know that many creative writing degree programs are very selective. For this reason, you’ll need to prove your passion for writing and reading. First, you’ll need to apply to the college of your choice. This will mean submitting an admission essay as well as the application form. Creative writing degree programs will also want a writing sample, such as a poem or a short story. However, these don’t have to be works you’ve published.

Additionally, you’ll need to submit the following to your chosen college:

●  Referee information (must not be a friend or a relative)

●  Official transcripts

●  TOEFL or IELTS test results (if English is not your native language)

●  GRE scores

Gathering all required documentation for admission will be time-consuming, so you’ll want to get started early. Ideally, you should start applying nine months before your program begins. For example, if the program starts in August, you should begin applying in November of the previous year.

1. Northwestern University

Established in 1851, Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois (just outside Chicago). With approximately 22,000 students, it’s a private institution with a six-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. Professors in the creative writing program are award-winning authors. Northwestern is known for producing successful authors such as Karen Russell and Veronica Roth . It also features a top journalism program. Students in the creative writing program can get involved with the student-run literary journal, intern at a Chicago publication, or submit an entry to the yearly writing competition of the English Department.

Additionally, students can learn from talented writers at the Annual Writers’ Festival . Students can even submit their work to the school’s annual writing competition. So, if gaining professional writing experience is important, Northwestern might just be what you’re looking for! Plus, Chicago’s iconic landmarks and lakeside beaches provide robust inspiration for writers!

“My Northwestern creative workshops, where I honed my editorial skills, were instrumental in setting me down a career path in publishing.”

–  Laura Biagi, Class of 2009

2. Columbia University

Located in New York City (known colloquially as the Big Apple), Columbia was established in 1754. It’s the fifth-oldest American institution of higher learning. It has around 36,000 students, and people consider it one of the great elite private colleges in America. Like Northwestern, Columbia has a world-class creative writing program and a top journalism school. Great writers have attended Columbia, including J.D. Salinger and Federico Garcia Lorca. The creative writing curriculum includes rigorous writing workshops at all levels and seminars exclusively for creative writing students. In these workshops, students produce original works of writing and submit them to classmates and professors for critical analysis. To study at Columbia is to be part of a distinguished group of like-minded writers.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, many consider New York City America’s literary capital. It’s home to major publishing houses, literary journals, picturesque parks, iconic landmarks, and talented authors from around the globe. The Big Apple has no shortage of inspiration for prospective writers!

“Before being accepted into the program, I didn’t have the confidence to critique my work seriously.”

–  Mary Mann, Class of 2015

3. University of Iowa

If you prefer to study in a location away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, the University of Iowa might be your answer! Founded in 1847, this public institution has about 31,000 students. It’s located in Iowa City, and the nearest major city is Chicago. However, studying in Iowa can provide an opportunity to go off the beaten path.

Here are some highlights of the university and Iowa City:

●  Iowa City is a designated UNESCO City of Literature.

●  The city’s annual Book Festival attracts people from across the American Midwest.

●  The MFA of the university’s nonfiction writing program has been voted number one in creative nonfiction in the United States.

●  Students have access to the university’s literary community, which offers frequent readings, writing prizes and scholarships, and The Iowa Review , an acclaimed literary journal.

●  Tennessee Williams is an alumnus of the program.

●  Like Columbia, the University of Iowa strongly values the workshop method.

We recommend checking out this video for a deeper dive into the world of creative writing at Iowa.

4. Emory University

Emory, founded in 1836, is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. If you prefer a university in a warm climate, Atlanta is a good choice. Compared with cities in the northern states, Atlanta experiences mild winters, though you might get cold snaps and the odd snowfall. Emory has around 15,000 students and has an affiliation with the United Methodist Church.

Emory’s dedicated undergraduate creative writing program draws distinguished visiting scholars and writers. Other notable program highlights include:

●  Opportunities to attend intimate question-and-answer sessions with award-winning authors

●  Faculty who are professional practitioners in the writing field

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●  Studies in a range of genres, such as fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and playwriting

●  Annual writing contests

●  Writing awards and scholarships

●  The opportunity to work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project

Students will also find writing opportunities outside the classroom in the Atlanta area. The city has several writing organizations and clubs, such as the Atlanta Writers Club , the Georgia Writers Association , and Village Writers Group.

5. Oberlin College

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a small liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio, 31 miles south of Cleveland. It has just under 3,000 students. If you’re seeking a really small school, Oberlin is worth pursuing! It’s known for the robust quality of teachers and the variety of courses in the creative writing program. Two of the courses are Plot and Structure and Race and Poetic Innovation. In addition, you’ll find a robust workshop culture at Oberlin. The downside is that the city lacks opportunities to pursue writing. However, great opportunities exist in other Ohio cities, such as Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Moreover, Ohio is the home of the late American novelist Toni Morrison.

It’s worth mentioning that Oberlin’s creative writing program has notable alumni, such as Lena Dunham , an actress and writer.

“I feel so consistently lucky to have such dedicated professors. Everyone I’ve worked with in the Creative Writing Program deeply cares about their students both as writers and as people. Classes are small, so you’re able to actually know and trust each other, which is important for productive workshopping.”

–  Fiona Warnick, Class of 2022

6. Hamilton College

Chartered as a college in 1812, Hamilton is in the upstate New York village of Clinton, between Syracuse and Albany. It has 2,000 students and 1,350 acres of campus space. Hamilton strongly believes in giving students the freedom to pursue their own interests, an ethos that explains why the college’s motto is “Know Thyself.”

Hamilton’s creative writing program is known for its small classes and plentiful opportunities to intern and publish. Hamilton also has one of the best writing centers in the nation. Students take courses that balance literary study with poetry and prose workshops. The program emphasizes learning to write with attentiveness to form and genre. Students write a creative project that demonstrates originality and attention to language.

If you like a creative writing school that’s “current with the times,” Hamilton has recently renovated List Hall, which houses the program. The hall features collaborative spaces for students and a new landscaped entrance.

7. Brown University

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading research university in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown’s student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose make it distinct. In fact, many American high schoolers dream of studying at Brown! It has just under 10,000 students, and its literary arts program is one of the top MFAs in the United States. Students can choose one of three tracks: fiction, poetry, or digital/cross-disciplinary writing – a plus if your aim is fiction writing, for example! Although students must take certain classes, they can design much of their curriculum. Brown also provides financial aid to students in the program through a first-year fellowship. Additionally, students can teach undergraduate workshops during their second year. Brown is a special place for writers who envision new paths in fiction, poetry, and digital language arts.

8.  Washington University in St. Louis

It might surprise you that Washington University is in St. Louis, Missouri, rather than Washington, DC. Since 1853, Washington University has dared to challenge the unknown and taken great pride in its teaching, research, and service to society. The university has a renowned creative writing program with several scholarships. The undergraduate English program also offers a concentration, which allows students to specialize in a specific writing genre: fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. The program even has a special concentration in publishing! Students often find internships with companies such as Atlantic Media, Business Insider, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Washington University should be on your list if you already have a specific writing genre in mind!

9.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

You might not associate writing with an institute of technology. However, MIT has a wonderful program that features courses in digital media, science writing, and creative writing. Since its incorporation in 1861, MIT has been educating future leaders with a three-to-one student-to-faculty ratio in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Apologies if you were expecting MIT to be in Boston. However, don’t let Cambridge put you off. The city is a haven for book lovers and writers from all walks of life, so you’ll find plenty of writing pursuits outside of class! And when it comes to finding work after graduation, the program provides lots of guidance for navigating the tricky job market.

10.  University of Michigan

If you’ve ever watched NCAA football, you’re probably familiar with the University of Michigan. Founded in Detroit in 1817, Michigan is ranked the third-best national undergraduate public university. The university’s main campus is in the small city of Ann Arbor, ranked the number one best small college town in America.

The University of Michigan has a top-notch MFA program. The undergrad creative writing sub-concentration requires students to submit applications for admittance to advanced creative writing courses. These applications provide crucial practice in building a writing portfolio and articulating an interest in creative writing. In addition, the university has two student-run literary journals: Xylem Magazine and Fortnight Literary Press . Both publish students’ best works – an excellent way to get your writing noticed!

Screenwriter Jennifer Freides graduated from the program. “I learned to read fast, manage my time, think critically, organize my thoughts, and speak with clarity at U-M.”

With nearly 50,000 students, the University of Michigan is a top choice for those looking for a big school with a great MFA program!

11.  Johns Hopkins University

This private research university was founded in 1876 in Baltimore, Maryland, and it takes its name from nineteenth-century Maryland philanthropist Johns Hopkins. With 24,000 students, Johns Hopkins (or JHU, its more common name) ranks consistently among the most prestigious universities in the United States. Novelists John Barth and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie graduated from here, as did the famous horror film director Wes Craven.

Although people know JHU more for its engineering program, it does have a reputable writing program. Students in the program take courses in philosophy and history in addition to classes in prose, poetry, and literature. The creative writing program has journalism, the arts, and publishing internship opportunities. Additionally, short story writers might be interested in the program’s Danielle Alyse Basford Writing Prize .

Baltimore is no stranger to the literary world, as the American writer Edgar Allan Poe spent several years here. His poem The Raven is the namesake of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. You can visit the Poe House and Museum to see the writing desk and chair where Poe created some of his famous work!

12.  Colorado College

Colorado College was founded in 1874 and is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s a small liberal arts college with over 2,000 students. People know the college mainly for its Block Plan , which allows students to focus on one class per three-and-a-half-week block. Students will find that the creative writing track interweaves craft, imagination, and a lively literary framework. It includes a sequence of four writing workshops and mandatory attendance at the Visiting Writers Series. Attending readings at the Visiting Writers Series will deeply immerse students in the written word at Colorado College. In addition, students will find plenty of opportunities within the program, from AMC college writing contests to the student-led spoken word group, SpeakEasy. If you’re an outdoorsy writer, you’ll love Colorado Springs! It’s surrounded by picturesque hiking opportunities, including Garden of the Gods ! If you envision taking one class at a time at a small liberal arts school, you should consider Colorado College!

13.  New York University

New York University (NYU) is another prestigious university in New York City. It was established in 1831 and is currently the largest private university in the United States, with more than 11,000 students. It even has campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. As mentioned, New York is the American literary epicenter. Although NYU doesn’t offer a creative writing major, it’s an excellent school for aspiring writers. You’ll still find workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Classes are small, with a maximum of 15 students, and the school has a student-edited literary journal called West 10 th . The school also offers intensive summer writing programs in Florence and Paris, so students can develop their craft while living the writer’s life in Italy or France. The faculty consists of award-winning poets, short story writers, and novelists, and many of them have received Pulitzer Prizes and NEA Fellowships. So, although NYU lacks a creative writing major, it has a fine reputation, small classes, and ample opportunities to develop your writing craft!

So, there you have our list of top creative writing schools. Let’s recap key points from our post:

●  Creative writing programs are pretty selective, so you should be genuinely passionate about reading and writing.

●  Private schools have the best reputation and small classes. However, they can be really expensive.

●  You will need to submit at least one writing sample as part of your application.

●  Creative writing programs are heavy in workshop culture.

●  New York City is America’s literary capital.

●  Most programs have literary journals where you can submit your work.

●  A faculty of professional writers will be your teachers.

●  Graduates often go on to become authors, editors, and copywriters. Getting into publishing is also a possibility.

Whichever school you choose, it must be the right fit for you! While one might be great for some people, it might not resonate with you. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to visit the school if possible. Even a virtual tour will suffice. We also suggest reaching out to current professors for more information. You can even reach out to current or past students through LinkedIn. Finally, take your time when researching schools. Got more questions about creative writing? We recommend this video !

Thanks for reading!

1. How important is location when you are considering a creative writing program?

You’ll want to prioritize a location with a vibrant literary scene rather than one with a warm climate. There should be plenty of opportunities to engage with writing in the community outside the classroom. There should also be various career opportunities within the community after graduation.

2. What is the cost of attending a creative writing program in the United States?

The cost will depend on whether the school is public or private. Public school tuition will be roughly $17,000 to $20,000 US. On the other hand, private schools will be considerably more expensive, especially Columbia and Hamilton. You can expect tuition to be between $50,000 and $69,000 US.

 3. Where can I get feedback on my college application?

Great question! We recommend leaving this to our team of proofreading experts at Proofed! They can check for grammar and punctuation errors and ensure perfect spelling. They will also ensure that the application uses appropriate academic language. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free today!

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2024 Best Creative Writing Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 215 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Creative Writing Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 6,817 degrees in creative writing during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

• Best Overall Creative Writing Schools List

Choosing a Great Creative Writing School

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Creative Writing Rankings by Degree Level

The creative writing school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Creative Writing Schools. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state .

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology .

Best Schools for Creative Writing in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of creative writing degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Creative Writing

Every student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out Johns Hopkins University. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were approximately 84 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available.

Any student pursuing a degree in creative writing needs to look into University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus. Pitt is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. This university ranks 7th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 125 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year.

Any student who is interested in creative writing needs to check out Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Pittsburgh. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent year we have data available.

Any student pursuing a degree in creative writing needs to take a look at University of Chicago. UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 36 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year.

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 134 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year.

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence. A Best Colleges rank of #21 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.

There were about 35 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 45 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

Located in the small city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were about 54 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year.

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 1st out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 9 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year.

Located in the town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 55 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 17 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available.

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 43 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the small city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 19 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available.

UW Seattle is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Seattle. This university ranks 1st out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were roughly 58 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year.

WUSTL is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Saint Louis. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were approximately 30 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available.

Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were approximately 7 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 6 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available.

Wellesley is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Wellesley. This college ranks 12th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Wellesley in the most recent data year.

UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the city of Austin. This university ranks 2nd out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 86 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available.

Iowa State is a very large public university located in the small city of Ames. This university ranks 1st out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 12 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 18 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

Located in the large city of Cincinnati, UC is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 53 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available.

University of Arizona is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Tucson. This university ranks 3rd out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 84 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent data year.

Located in the town of Bowling Green, BGSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 23rd out of 96 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 26 creative writing students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent year we have data available.

Rest of the Top Best Creative Writing Schools

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Creative Writing Schools award.

Creative Writing by Region

View the Best Creative Writing Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Associate degrees in creative writing, master's degrees in creative writing, bachelor's degrees in creative writing, doctor's degrees in creative writing.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Creative Writing

One of 4 majors within the Writing Studies area of study, Creative Writing has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Creative Writing

View All Creative Writing Related Majors >

Notes and References

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
• Credit for the banner image above goes to KOKUYO .

More about our data sources and methodologies .

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10 Best Colleges for Creative Writing: Where to Study the Art of Storytelling

by Kaelyn Barron | 3 comments

Schools that offer dedicated creative writing programs are relatively rare, but you can still find some excellent options out there (in fact, some of the best schools in the U.S.) that offer creative writing majors, or at least concentrated study tracks.

We’ve taken the hard work out of your search and rounded up the best colleges for creative writing so you can focus on preparing a knockout personal statement, getting into the right school for you, and finally starting your studies of an often under-appreciated subject.

Best Colleges for Creative Writing

For the purposes of this article, we’ve selected universities based on their undergraduate programs. However, many also boast excellent MFA programs, which we’ve indicated for each below.

1. Northwestern University

Northwestern’s undergraduate creative writing program  is one of the most renowned in the country. The faculty includes award-winning authors who teach poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.

The alumni community includes a number of successful writers, including  Divergent  author Veronica Roth, short-story writer Karen Russell, plus other notable names such as Stephen Colbert and Meghan Markle.

Students also have plenty of options for extracurricular activities, including an excellent student-run literary journal, internships at publications in nearby Chicago, and the Department of English’s annual writing competition.

2. Columbia University

Columbia  is another university that offers a world-class creative writing program and a wide range of course options. Its location in New York City is ideal for internship and job opportunities with major publishers, literary journals, and award-winning authors.

The creative writing program combines intensive workshops with seminars to help students create works of fiction, poetry, and also nonfiction. Workshops in dramatic writing and screenwriting are also available.

3. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s graduate Writer’s Workshop is often cited as one of the best MFA programs in the country. However, the school also boasts a spectacular Bachelor of Arts program in English and Creative Writing , as well as a Literary Publishing Track.

As a bonus, Iowa City, where the university is located, has been officially recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature, and hosts an annual Book Fest and many other opportunities to get involved with the vibrant literary community.

4. Emory University

Emory University’s undergraduate creative writing program offers students the chance to attend intimate Q&A sessions with award-winning authors, and study a wide range of genres. In addition, students can work closely with an adviser to complete an honors project.

Students are encouraged to approach their studies of literature creatively, and to pursue their own interests in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting, or screenwriting. 

5. Brown University

Brown University offers an undergraduate program in literary arts , but also one of the most renowned MFA programs in the U.S.

For the major, students must participate in four creative writing workshops and six reading-intensive courses, which cover a wide array of topics ,  from music to literature.

6. Hamilton College

Located in upstate New York, Hamilton College offers a creative writing program with   small classes and many opportunities to intern and even publish. Its writing center is also recognized as one of the best in the country.

The course load for creative writing majors balances literary study with poetry and prose workshops.

7. Kenyon College

Located in Gabier, Ohio, Kenyon College offers an English major with an Emphasis on Creative Writing. In addition, 10 faculty members teach workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Of course, the school is also home to the Kenyon Review, a prestigious literary magazine.

Students can apply for internships with the Kenyon Review Student Associates Program, apply for the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop, and submit to The Kenyon Collegian, the student-run newspaper.

8. University of Miami

The University of Miami offers a Bachelor’s in English with a Creative Writing Concentration. Notably, the school’s MFA program is the only one in the US to feature a multilingual focus. In fact, the undergraduate program also features courses with a multilingual aspect, including language courses in the curriculum and English vernaculars from different communities.

There are plenty of hands-on learning opportunities at the university, including Mangrove , a national student literary magazine, and USpeak, the school’s open mic night, when students can read their own original work out loud. 

9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Okay, MIT might not be among the schools that immediately come to mind when you think of writing, but the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a major in Writing across several different genres, including creative writing, digital media, and science writing.

As a major bonus, the school is located in Not to mention the school is located in Cambridge, MA, which offers a haven for bookworms and writers.

10. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins  is another school you may be surprised to find on this list, given its reputation as a renowned medical school and its top-notch engineering programs.

However, like MIT, Johns Hopkins also has a dedicated writing program. Students who choose to major in Writing Seminars must take not courses in prose, poetry, literature, philosophy, history, and other related courses.

Should You Go to College for Creative Writing?

To be a successful writer, you don’t really need a specific degree—you need to be dedicated to constantly improving your storytelling skills. However, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t pursue a degree in creative writing or related subjects, like an English major .

The good thing about creative writing degrees in particular is that you’ll spend a good deal of hours working on your writing, learning new techniques, getting feedback from talented and successful professors, and discussing your work with other writers, so if you’re serious about writing, it’s absolutely worth considering.

As for an MFA (Master of Fine Arts), that’s yet another step (usually a very expensive one) available to creative writers. Check out our post on the subject to decide if an MFA is right for you .

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• Authors: Is an MFA Right for You?
• 15 Great Jobs for English Majors: How to Turn Your “Useless” Degree Into a Successful Career
• How to Become a Journalist: 6 Tips for Aspiring Reporters
• How to Write a Personal Statement: 7 Tips for Standing Out on College Applications

As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.

My daughter is looking at Iowa’s undergraduate Creative Writing program. It can be difficult to find material that compares these schools. Any thoughts on Iowa as a place to do her 4 years would be appreciated. She wants to double major in Journalism. It sounds like Iowa would be a great place to learn. My only concern is her getting a Job outside of Iowa, but given the job market today maybe that won’t be an issue.

They say you don’t have to have a degree in writing to be a writer. But my opinion is that such an education would not be superfluous. Really surprised to see Hopkins on this list. But I googled it and its writing program is really impressive. But when you say you graduated from Hopkins, everyone will think you’re a medical student.

Hi Margareth, thanks for your comment! I was surprised to see it while researching too, but its program is very good. And I agree with you, a degree in writing isn’t necessary, but you can really learn a lot and hone your skills, not to mention meet and work with other really talented writers.

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Best Journalism Schools in the U.S. | 2024

What is journalism.

When people hear the term “journalism,” they often think of lengthy investigative pieces published in major newspapers such as The New York Times . While journalists do indeed write such articles, their reach in modern society extends much further.

Journalists present people with information they need to know, from the community level through world events. They provide a vital public service by gathering, assessing, and presenting news. What they create spurs conversations and helps individuals make decisions in their lives. Imagine what the COVID-19 pandemic would have been like without journalists around to search out facts and put them into context.

Twenty-first century news sources extend well beyond newspapers. A plethora of print, broadcast, and digital outlets exist. Today’s journalists recognize these multiple opportunities and adapt their stories to best fit their employer’s medium. Developing this skill often starts by attending a school of journalism.

Best Journalism Schools in the U.S.

A variety of private and public institutions of higher learning offer a degree in journalism. According to our ranking methodology , here are the 10 best colleges for journalism in the US.

Of course, there are many places at which to study journalism, and you should weigh them all against your individual needs such as interests, career aspirations, location, and costs. For additional assistance in locating a school of journalism, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the perfect school for you ! 

10. University of Washington - Seattle Campus

Like most schools, the University of Washington realizes its journalism students must graduate ready to embrace the many platforms now used to distribute news and information. But, it also remains committed to fundamental journalistic values and techniques – accurate information gathering, excellent writing, sound ethical decision-making, and valuable public service. 

Upon graduation, this large state school awards the Bachelor of Arts in Communication : Journalism and Public Interest Communication. Students leave with a solid background ready to be applied to either traditional or modern mediums. Many already have had a taste of real world journalism through internships across the Seattle metropolitan area. Others have spent time abroad as interns for English-language news organizations. And for more than 40 years, the school’s Government Communication Program has dispatched students to Olympia to cover the annual state legislative session for Northwest news outlets.

9. New York University

Ask a faculty member at NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute what type of graduates the school produces, and you’ll likely get an answer touting curious, restless investigators who never stop asking why. Such a mentality fits well with the school’s location. 

There is a story in every face and on every corner in New York City, and this is where some of the world’s best media is produced. Internship opportunities are everywhere. In addition to their journalism major, undergraduates also complete a second major in an area of their choice. 

Students graduate with critical skills in both fields and an interdisciplinary mind-set. NYU conducts master’s programs both online and on-campus. Graduate studies aim to fulfill industry demand for journalists who are well-versed in the subject matter they report on. To that end, graduate students select a focus area, such as cultural criticism or science and the environment. Regardless of their niche, students leave career-ready and eager to find stories that matter to them.

8. University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign

Ready to blend the one-on-one mentoring of a small department with the resources of a large research university? Journalism studies at Illinois do just that. This public institution offers BS and MS programs in Journalism . Students also can earn a SportMedia Certificate through coursework that emphasizes the technological changes that are radically reshaping sports entertainment. 

An exciting recent addition to the university’s journalism program is graduate study in science and technology journalism. Earn an MS in this discipline online in as little as two semesters, or boost your skill at conveying this type of information through individual courses as a non-degree student.

7. The University of Texas at Austin  

What do you get when you combine fundamental basics with an innovative curriculum relevant to the ever-changing world of new media? You get graduates versed in the powerful new tools of the digital age who possess the critical thinking, writing skills, and journalistic sensibility to make those tools worth using. 

Through the School of Journalism and Media in the Moody College of Communication , UT Austin awards the Bachelor of Science in Journalism. At the graduate level, students coming to journalism study from another discipline or who desire additional professional experience often pursue the Master’s Professional Track. It consists of two semesters of full-time study followed by a summer internship at a professional media outlet. 

The MA Program in Journalism and Media Research & Theory, by contrast, focuses on the development of methodological expertise. It often serves as a springboard to PhD programs or to analytic careers with media organizations. UT Austin itself conducts doctoral studies in journalism and media with plenty of opportunities to pursue individual interests.

6. University of Florida

Big public universities generally offer big-time opportunities, and UF’s College of Journalism and Communications does not disappoint. Its state-of-the-art Innovation News Center produces more than six hours of student-created content daily (in both English and Spanish) for the university’s seven media outlets. 

Undergraduates can major in journalism or in journalism – sports and media. This is Gator country, after all! The master’s program enables the choice of either a professional track or a research and theory option. Outside the classroom, students take advantage of the social and cultural offerings of Gainesville, a lively college town.

5. University of Maryland - College Park

Eager to get a taste of a professional newsroom? Top journalism students at this public institution can apply to be a part of Capital News Service. This nonprofit, student-powered news organization managed by distinguished faculty members and professional journalists from UMD’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism has offices and news teams in College Park, Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. It covers everything important to Marylanders through multiple news formats and contributes to The Associated Press. 

Back on campus, the university conducts bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional certificate programs in journalism. With an emphasis on hands-on experience, all journalism undergrads must complete an internship as part of the requirement for their degree. 

Those seeking a master’s degree can choose from a research or a professional track of study. There’s also a new Master of Professional Studies in Data Journalism degree that can be completed virtually, in person, or via a combination. And sports media enthusiasts at all educational levels will find a variety of enrichment activities at the university’s Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism.

4. University of Georgia

When you graduate from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication with a degree in journalism, you leave not only with a diploma but also with a digital portfolio. This collection of highlights from work done at Grady Newsource (the daily campus newscast), gradynewsource.uga.edu, and other outlets brings to life what journalism aims to do – tell a convincing story. 

In this case, the story is what you bring to the table as a prospective employee. Fitting for a school with a nationally-known athletic program (Go Dawgs!), interested students can pursue a sports media certificate along with their bachelor’s in journalism. At the graduate level, this public university in the classic college city of Athens, Georgia, offers an MA in Journalism with both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Some students come particularly for the institution’s expertise in health and medical journalism. All leave with solid skills and a vast alumni network.

3. University of Miami

“Tell a story. Change the World” is the philosophy of this private institution in Coral Gables, Florida. Students seeking a BSC in Journalism have plenty of opportunities to put these words into action. Depending on their interests, undergrads can pick a track in reporting and writing; visual and documentary; sports, travel, and lifestyles features; or media and journalism studies. 

The UM School of Communication also offers BSC programs in advertising, public relations, and broadcast journalism. The university encourages students to further hone their craft through campus outlets such as the award-winning cable station UMTV, The Miami Hurricane newspaper, and Distraction magazine. 

For students who received their undergraduate degree in a different discipline but now want to pursue journalism at the graduate level, UM is still worth a look. Its 18-month MA program does not require prior training or experience in journalism.

2. Northwestern University

A pioneer in journalism education, Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism celebrated its 100th birthday in 2021. While programs have changed through the years to keep up with the times, Medill remains committed to fundamentals such as accuracy, clarity, and critical thinking. 

Aspiring journalism students often get their first taste of this private institution in Evanston, Ill., through its nationally known “Cherub” program – a five-week summer institute for rising high school seniors. 

At the undergraduate level, NU offers a BS in Journalism. A quarter-long journalism residency as a full-time reporter or PR specialist at a media outlet in the U.S. or abroad proves a highlight of the undergrad experience. 

At the graduate level, Medill conducts an MS program with options to specialize:

• Health, environment, and science
• Media innovation and content strategy
• Politics, policy, and foreign affairs
• Investigative journalism
• social justice and solutions
• Video and broadcast
• Sports media

1. University of Southern California

When prospective employers see the name Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism on a resume, they know the candidate received a top-notch education. Guided by faculty who are both scholars and practitioners, students become powerful storytellers ready to effectively convey information in any setting. 

USC’s undergraduate program awards the BA in Journalism or in Public Relations. At the graduate level, many students pursue an MS in Journalism or an MA in Public Relations and Advertising. Others, however, craft their own major through the option to earn an MA in Specialized Journalism. Students can choose both their preferred medium – anything from traditional text to augmented reality – and select a specialized area of coverage. 

The Arts is a popular specialty, undoubtedly aided by the school’s location in culturally-rich Los Angeles. All journalism students benefit from hands-on experience at Annenberg’s state-of-the-art media center on campus.

How to Get Into The Top Journalism Colleges

Think earning an undergraduate degree in journalism might be a good career move? The following steps can help you land a spot at one of the best journalism schools or one that is well-suited to your needs and interests:

A strong GPA increases your attractiveness to the best journalism schools. Work especially hard in English classes to develop your writing skills. Joining the school newspaper, literary magazine, creative writing club, yearbook, radio station, or similar extracurricular activities demonstrates interest in the field of communications and provides opportunities to further develop skills. Also, consider doing something journalism-related during the summer. Many colleges offer summer journalism programs for high school students. Or, perhaps see if your local newspaper is in need of an intern or seasonal employee.

Admissions Requirements for Journalism Degree Programs

Each institution has its own admissions requirements, so carefully follow instructions when applying. The following are items frequently requested:

• The school’s application or The Common App (a standardized application used by thousands of schools – be sure the places you’re applying to accept it)
• High school transcript that includes courses taken, grade in each, and cumulative GPA
• Transcripts from any previous post-secondary institutions
• Recommendations from teachers, counselors, or other relevant professionals
• SAT and/or ACT scores
• Proof of English language proficiency (if an international student)
• Application fee

What to Expect in a Journalism Major

Journalism is about storytelling. Curious people who like to gather information and present it in a clear, interesting way often make good journalists. Journalism programs develop students into strong writers and keen observers who are committed to producing error-free stories that tell people what they need to know about a given subject.

Journalism majors should expect their education to be a mixture of classroom learning and hands-on practice. Graduates leave with the skills necessary to:

• Gather information
• Verify facts
• Exercise news judgment
• Write against deadlines
• Make ethical decisions
• Adhere to press laws and regulations
• Use technology associated with individual journalistic mediums

An individual journalism student’s classes will vary by institution and by personal interests. However, the following subjects often are common for journalism majors:

• Reporting and news writing
• Video journalism
• Audio storytelling
• Photojournalism
• Social media
• Journalism values/ethics
• Media design
• Information gathering
• Communication research

Journalism Degree Specializations

Journalism degrees can come with specializations. This focus allows students to gain greater expertise in more niche subjects or ways of reporting. Specializations vary by institution but may include:

• Sports journalism
• Political journalism
• Science and environmental journalism
• Health and medical journalism
• Global/international journalism
• Arts and culture
• Investigative reporting
• Broadcast journalism
• Multimedia journalism
• Feature and magazine journalism
• Public relations
• Advertising

What Can I Do with a Journalism Degree?

Employers value good communication skills. People who can convey information in understandable, interesting ways often find work with employers such as:

• Newspaper, magazine, and book publishers
• Radio and TV stations
• Information services
• Social media platforms
• PR agencies
• Advertising firms
• Marketing or communications departments at businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and healthcare systems

The following chart notes some of the many occupations and salaries available to people with a journalism degree. Note that projected job growth is not a guarantee. Estimates are made under current conditions.

• Median Salary: $48,370
• Career Outlook: -9% (2021-2031)
• Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

These communicators convey noteworthy information to the public through outlets such as newspapers, magazines, websites, television, and radio.

• Median Salary: $63,350
• Career Outlook: -5% (2021-2031)

Editors decide what stories will appear in newspapers, magazines, and other outlets and work with writers to develop and perfect the articles.

• Median Salary: $69,510
• Career Outlook: +4% (2021-2031)

These professionals use their way with words to produce written content for various types of media.

• Median Salary: $119,860
• Career Outlook: +8% (2021-2031)

People in these positions help shape the reputation of their employer and build relationships with the public to encourage actions such as purchasing products and making donations.

• Median Salary: $133,380
• Career Outlook: +10% (2021-2031)

These professionals find creative, effective ways to generate interest in their employer’s products or services.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Journalism Schools FAQ

• Journalism is the act of gathering, assessing, and presenting news to the public. This information increases their base of knowledge and helps people make decisions.
• The best school of journalism is the one that fits the individual student’s interests and circumstances. Among the many great U.S. institutions that award journalism degrees, standouts include University of Southern California , Northwestern University , University of Miami , University of Georgia , and University of Maryland – College Park .
• Journalists often work for print outlets such as newspapers, magazines, and book publishers. Others work for broadcast outlets such as radio and television stations. Other employment options can include information services, social media platforms, PR agencies, advertising firms, and marketing or communication departments at businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and healthcare systems.
• Curious people who like to gather information and present it in a clear, interesting way make good journalists. Journalists typically are strong writers and possess a commitment to accuracy and detail. They may also enjoy storytelling and captivating audiences.

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25 Best Journalism Schools 2020

The 25 schools on this list offer the top journalism bachelor's degrees, based on median alumni salaries one year out of college. With a median starting salary of $43,400, Washington and Lee University outranks the other schools on the list. Number two on the list, Northwestern University, has a median salary of $42,000 and the lowest median debt, at $15,500. The range of median salaries for the top 25 schools is $34,400-$43,400.

Tuition, median salaries, and median debt were reported by the U.S. Department of Education in November 2019. View our methodology for more details about these rankings or read more about the top-ranked schools .

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2020 Best Colleges Highlights

Learn more about the top colleges for a Bachelor's in Journalism degree. You can also read student reviews of each school by clicking on the stars. Although student reviews were not used as a ranking factor in this list, we provide ratings and reviews so students can consider the experience of alumni in their decision-making process.

Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University features a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in the school’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. The degree requires 128 credits, including 53 credits for the major. The major requires two internships of 100 hours each. The school also offers an option in Business Journalism, which focuses on journalism-related to business and the economy.

The program emphasizes research, analysis, journalistic ethics, and communication skills—especially writing for media. Students will learn the history of journalism and the importance of the press, evaluative research, ethics, and skills appropriate for a variety of media. A senior portfolio is required.

Courses in the degrees include Introduction to News Writing, Introduction to Digital Journalism, and Reporting on Business. Graduates often go into print, online, and broadcast media, as well as into public relations.

Washington and Lee was founded in 1749, making it one of the country’s oldest liberal arts colleges. A donation in 1796 by George Washington resulted in a name change. After the Civil War, Robert E. Lee became president of the college, which later adding his name. The school is located in Lexington, Virginia.

Visit Washington and Lee University’s website .

Northwestern University

Northwestern University features a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. The degree is offered through the highly-rated Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications.

Uniquely, students are required to have a concentration in some academic field outside of journalism, such as economics or political science. The overall program focus is journalistic competency in a variety of media, a grounding in the history of journalism, the role of the free press, professional ethics and writing skills. Students will develop research, writing, and reporting skills, as well as an awareness of the importance of emerging media.

Courses offered include Philosophy of Modern Journalism, Journalism in Practice (which usually involves travel), Multimedia Storytelling, and Journalism in a Networked World. Internships are a key part of a student’s experience. Northwestern has media internship partners in Argentina, South Africa, and Qatar. Students may study at the school’s campus in Qatar or at a partner campus in China. There are also a wide variety of internship opportunities in nearby Chicago.

The school is located in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago.

Visit Northwestern University's website .

The George Washington University

Through its Journalism and Mass Communications program, George Washington University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. The major requires 34 core credits, and a total of 53 to 56 credits depending on the courses chosen. There is an internship requirement, and also a capstone project in which students display their knowledge and skills.

The program stresses critical thinking and a mix of classroom and newsroom experience, with a particular focus on research and writing for all forms of media. Students learn the history and importance of the press, focus on writing skills, and develop skills and techniques for the range of contemporary media. The university’s location in the nation’s capital gives students a significant advantage in terms of internships and the ability to observe journalism in action. Recent students have completed internships in print, broadcast and internet media, political and lobbying groups, government, and nonprofit institutions and business.

Courses in the program include Journalism: Theory and Practice, Data Analysis for Journalism, Broadcast News Writing, and Photojournalism.

Visit The George Washington University’s website .

Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers four Bachelor of Arts and four Bachelor of Science programs in Journalism. The major requires 49 credits and the overall degree 129. Because of the unusually extensive requirement for co-ops (essentially, internships), programs usually take a full four to five years (including summer breaks) to complete. There is an option for no co-op experiences, but the program strongly advises the importance of the internships. Students complete internships in all forms of media, located in Boston, New England, and nationally. The experiences give graduates a significant competitive edge.

The BA options include Journalism, Journalism and English, Journalism and Political Science, and Media and Screen Studies and Journalism. The English option is a dual major with an emphasis on writing. The Media and Screen Studies option specializes in journalism covering film and entertainment. The BS options include Computer Science and Journalism, Data Science and Journalism, Criminal Justice and Journalism, and Journalism and Interactive Design. Computer and Data Science relate to digital news, while Interactive Design combines journalism with art and design.

Among the courses offered are Visual Storytelling in Journalism, The First Amendment and the Media, and Journalism and Political Science.

Northeastern is located in Boston.

Visit Northeastern University’s website .

University of Southern California

Through its nationally respected Annenberg School for Communication, the University of Southern California features a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

A unique program feature is Annenberg Media, a student-run news organization. Students control operational and editorial aspects of the organization and gain real-world experience. Annenberg Media has its own media presence online. The program strongly emphasizes internship experiences in a variety of media. Students average 3+ internships in areas such as print media, broadcast media, magazines, internet, cable news, public relations, and business.

The Annenberg School emphasizes professional competence, journalistic ethics, the importance of the press in American culture, and internship experiences. Students will be grounded in media history and ethics, and they will develop research, analytical and media writing skills. Annenberg seeks to produce politically literate and socially sensitive journalists. Courses offered include Engaging Diverse Communities, Advanced Media Storytelling, Law of Mass Communication, and Multi-Platform Editing.

USC is located in Los Angeles.

Visit University of Southern California's website .

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Extracurriculars.

List of All U.S. Colleges with a Creative Writing Major

Writing has been my passion practically since I learned to read in kindergarten. I would write stories about princesses and my family dog, Gansett. When it came time to look at colleges, I was set on attending one with a strong creative writing program. Ultimately, I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars.

Today, colleges across the country offer creative writing as a major. Because writing skills are essential for a wide range of careers, and because most curricula emphasize broad liberal arts competencies, a degree in creative writing can set you up for success in numerous fields, whether you want to be an editor or a lawyer.

Interested in majoring in creative writing? Learn which schools offer the major and what to look for in a program.

Overview of the Creative Writing Major

Creative writing is about more than spinning tales. For your major, you’ll generally need to pursue a curriculum grounded in literature, history, foreign language, and other humanities courses, along with distribution courses, if the college requires them.

Most creative writing majors must participate in workshops, in which students present their work and listen to peer critiques, usually with a certain number of advanced courses in the mix. In some cases, colleges will ask you to specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction, poetry, or playwriting. 

To succeed in creative writing, you’ll need to have a tough spine, in order to open yourself up to feedback from your classmates and instructors. You may need to give readings in public — if not as an undergraduate, certainly during your career. Of course, a passion for creating is essential, too, as is a willingness to revise your work and learn from the greats and your peers.

A creative writing major opens up doors to many careers, including journalism, content marketing, copywriting, teaching, and others. Even careers that don’t center around writing often have a strong writing component: you’ll need to write reports, deliver presentations, and so on.

Some writers go on to earn an MFA, which will help you hone your craft. It’s also often a prerequisite for teaching creative writing at the college level.

What to Look for in a College as a Creative Writing Major

Published authors on faculty.

Many world-renowned authors have another claim to fame: professorships. Writers who have taught their craft include (among many others):

• Maya Angelou (Wake Forest University)
• Colson Whitehead (many colleges, including Vassar College and Columbia University)
• Stephen Dixon (Johns Hopkins University)
• Viet Thanh Nguyen (University of Southern California)
• Eula Biss (Northwestern University)
• Toni Morrison (Princeton University)

Be aware that as an undergraduate, you may not be able to learn from the greats. That’s why it’s important to look into which courses these faculty teach before you have dreams of being mentored by Salman Rushdie — who is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU.

Genres Offered

While many schools that have creative writing majors offer fiction and poetry courses and tracks, there are some niche genres that could be more difficult to find. If you’re interested in playwriting, for example, you won’t find that at every school. Before you decide on a program, be sure it includes the genres you’d like to explore further, whether that’s flash fiction, creative nonfiction, or something else.

Workshopping Opportunities

The core of most quality creative writing curriculum is workshopping. This means sharing your work in your classes and listening to your peers discuss and critique it. While this may sound intimidating, it can do a lot to help you hone your work and become a better writer. Look for colleges that make this the bedrock of their curriculum.

Showcasing Opportunities

Are there opportunities to present your work, such as college-sponsored readings where undergraduates can participate? Or, perhaps the school has a great literary journal. At my school, students could submit their plays and have them performed by fellow students. 

List of All U.S. Colleges With a Creative Writing Major

What are your chances of acceptance.

No matter what major you’re considering, the first step is ensuring you’re academically comparable to students who were previously accepted to the college or university. Most selective schools use the Academic Index to filter out applicants who aren’t up to their standards.

You’ll also want to demonstrate your fit with the school and specific major with the qualitative components of your application, like your extracurriculars and essays. For a prospective creative writing major, the essay is particularly important because this is a way to demonstrate your writing prowess. Activities might include editing your school’s newspaper or literary journal, publishing your work, and participating in pre-college writing workshops.

Want to know your chances of being accepted to top creative writing schools? Try our Chancing Engine (it’s free). Unlike other calculators, it takes your individual profile into account, including academic stats and qualitative components like your activities. Give it a try and get a jumpstart on your journey as a creative writing major!

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What to Know About Creative Writing Degrees

Many creative writing degree recipients pursue careers as authors while others work as copywriters or ghostwriters.

Tips on Creative Writing Degrees

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Prospective writing students should think about their goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals.

Many people see something magical in a beautiful work of art, and artists of all kinds often take pride in their craftsmanship. Creative writers say they find fulfillment in the writing process.

"I believe that making art is a human need, and so to get to do that is amazing," says Andrea Lawlor, an author who this year received a Whiting Award – a national $50,000 prize that recognizes 10 excellent emerging authors each year – and who is also the Clara Willis Phillips Assistant Professor of English at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

"We all are seeing more and more of the way that writing can help us understand perspectives we don't share," says Lawlor, whose recent novel "Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl" addresses the issue of gender identity.

"Writing can help us cope with hard situations," Lawlor says. "We can find people who we have something in common with even if there's nobody around us who shares our experience through writing. It's a really powerful tool for connection and social change and understanding."

Creative writing faculty, many of whom are acclaimed published authors, say that people are well-suited toward degrees in creative writing if they are highly verbal and enjoy expressing themselves.

"Creative imaginative types who have stories burning inside them and who gravitate toward stories and language might want to pursue a degree in creative writing," Jessica Bane Robert, who teaches Introduction to Creative Writing at Clark University in Massachusetts, wrote in an email. "Through formal study you will hone your voice, gain confidence, find a support system for what can otherwise be a lonely endeavor."

Read the guide below to gain more insight into what it means to pursue a creative writing education, how writing impacts society and whether it is prudent to invest in a creative writing degree. Learn about the difference between degree-based and non-degree creative writing programs, how to craft a solid application to a top-notch creative writing program and how to figure out which program is the best fit.

Why Creative Writing Matters and Reasons to Study It

Creative writers say a common misconception about their job is that their work is frivolous and impractical, but they emphasize that creative writing is an extremely effective way to convey messages that are hard to share in any other way.

Kelly Caldwell, dean of faculty at Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City, says prospective writing students are often discouraged from taking writing courses because of concerns about whether a writing life is somehow unattainable or "unrealistic."

Although creative writers are sometimes unable to financially support themselves entirely on the basis of their creative projects, Caldwell says, they often juggle that work with other types of jobs and lead successful careers.

She says that many students in her introductory creative writing class were previously forbidden by parents to study creative writing. "You have to give yourself permission for the simple reason that you want to do it," she suggests.

Creative writing faculty acknowledge that a formal academic credential in creative writing is not needed in order to get writing published. However, they suggest, creative writing programs help aspiring authors develop their writing skills and allow space and time to complete long-term writing projects.

Working writers often juggle multiple projects at once and sometimes have more than one gig, which can make it difficult to finish an especially ambitious undertaking such as a novel, a play for the screen or stage, or a well-assembled collection of poems, short stories or essays. Grants and fellowships for authors are often designed to ensure that those authors can afford to concentrate on their writing.

Samuel Ace, a published poet and a visiting lecturer in poetry at Mount Holyoke, says his goal is to show students how to write in an authentic way that conveys real feeling. "It helps students to become more direct, not to bury their thoughts under a cascade of academic language, to be more forthright," he says.

Tips on Choosing Between a Non-Degree or Degree-Based Creative Writing Program

Experts note that someone needs to be ready to get immersed in the writing process and devote significant time to writing projects before pursuing a creative writing degree. Prospective writing students should not sign up for a degree program until they have reached that sense of preparedness, warns Kim Todd, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts and director of its creative writing program.

She says prospective writing students need to think about their personal goals and figure out if a creative writing degree will help them achieve those goals.

Aspiring writers who are not ready to invest in a creative writing degree program may want to sign up for a one-off writing class or begin participating in an informal writing workshop so they can test their level of interest in the field, Todd suggests.

How to Choose and Apply to a Creative Writing Program

In many cases, the most important component of an application to a writing program is the writing portfolio, writing program experts say. Prospective writing students need to think about which pieces of writing they include in their portfolio and need to be especially mindful about which item they put at the beginning of their portfolio. They should have a trusted mentor critique the portfolio before they submit it, experts suggest.

Because creative writing often involves self-expression, it is important for aspiring writing students to find a program where they feel comfortable expressing their true identity.

This is particularly pertinent to aspiring authors who are members of minority groups, including people of color or LGBTQ individuals, says Lawlor, who identifies as queer, transgender and nonbinary.

How to Use a Creative Writing Degree

Creative writing program professors and alumni say creative writing programs cultivate a variety of in-demand skills, including the ability to communicate effectively.

"While yes, many creative writers are idealists and dreamers, these are also typically highly flexible and competent people with a range of personal strengths. And a good creative writing program helps them understand their particular strengths and marketability and translate these for potential employers, alongside the more traditional craft development work," Melissa Ridley Elmes, an assistant professor of English at Lindenwood University in Missouri, wrote in an email.

Elmes – an author who writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction – says creative writing programs force students to develop personal discipline because they have to consistently produce a significant amount of writing. In addition, participating in writing workshops requires writing students "to give and receive constructive feedback," Elmes says.

Cindy Childress, who has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Louisiana—Lafayatte and did a creative writing dissertation where she submitted poetry, says creative writing grads are well-equipped for good-paying positions as advertising and marketing copywriters, speechwriters, grant writers and ghostwriters.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual compensation for writers and authors was $63,200 as of May 2019.

"I think the Internet, and writing communities online and in social media, have been very helpful for debunking the idea that if you publish a New York Times Bestseller you will have 'made it' and can quit your day job and write full time," Elmes explains. "Unless you are independently wealthy, the odds are very much against you in this regard."

Childress emphasizes that creative writing degree recipients have "skills that are absolutely transferable to the real world." For example, the same storytelling techniques that copywriters use to shape public perceptions about a commercial brand are often taught in introductory creative writing courses, she says. The ability to tell a good story does not necessarily come easily to people who haven't been trained on how to do it, she explains.

Childress says she was able to translate her creative writing education into a lucrative career and start her own ghostwriting and book editing company, where she earns a six-figure salary. She says her background in poetry taught her how to be pithy.

"Anything that we want to write nowadays, particularly for social media, is going to have to be immediately understood, so there is a sense of immediacy," she says."The language has to be crisp and direct and exact, and really those are exactly the same kind of ways you would describe a successful poem."

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Online B.S. in Creative Writing – Journalism

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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – Journalism

Learn to captivate your audience without compromising integrity with liberty university’s online journalism degree.

If you have a passion for storytelling and want to develop your writing skills, then Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Writing – Journalism program could be the perfect fit for you. This program is designed to teach you the art of writing with style, flair, and creativity. You can learn how to craft written works that captivate and inspire your audience, whether you’re writing fiction, poetry, or news stories.

The program’s focus on journalism and multimedia storytelling means you can also learn how to write for different types of media, including online publications, video, and social media platforms. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from creative writing and literary analysis to media law and ethics. You can gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a variety of fields, including journalism, marketing, public relations, and publishing.

At Liberty University, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty who are passionate about helping students like you succeed. You’ll receive personalized attention and guidance as you develop your skills and explore your interests. Upon completing the program, you can be equipped with a strong foundation in writing and the confidence to pursue a career in the media industry.

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s B.S. in Creative Writing – Journalism?

• How to craft compelling stories that engage and inform your audience, whether you are writing news articles, feature stories, or multimedia content
• Professional skills that are needed to succeed in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, and project management
• The basics of journalism, including how to conduct interviews, fact-check information, and write in a style appropriate for different types of media

In addition, you can learn how to write in a way that is culturally engaging and conveys complex ideas. You will have the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a final project that brings together all of your training and experience. This senior capstone is the culmination of your studies and showcases the skills you’ve developed.

Potential Careers for B.S. in Creative Writing – Journalism Graduates

• Professional blogger
• Social media coordinator

Benefits of Our Online Creative Writing Program

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online B.S. in Creative Writing degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
• To continue our mission of providing affordable education , electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!
• You can complete this B.S. in Creative Writing – Journalism program in as little as 3.5 years!
• Liberty University holds institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
• This online journalism bachelor’s degree is taught by experienced professionals who are experts in the fields of journalism and creative writing.

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Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

• Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/retirees
• Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
• Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

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“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

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As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

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These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

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Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

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All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

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Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

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As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Journalism and Creative Writing Specialization

The Journalism and Creative Writing specialization helps students develop the research, interviewing, writing, editing and multimedia storytelling skills that are crucial to success across a broad spectrum of fields and professions in this information age.

Our faculty of professional writers and editors will teach you to research, report, interview, and write about urban affairs, politics, crime and the courts, arts and culture, law, education, science, sports and many other topics. Students have an opportunity, through the Media Internship program, to gain professional experience during their studies. All students are invited to showcase their reporting, writing and editing skills through participation in Dollars & Sense, the national-award-winning Baruch College magazine. The program also features opportunities for student awards, paid internships, and full-tuition fellowships.

For creative writing students, this specialization, which is affiliated with the extraordinary Harman Writer-in-Residence program, can help you to improve your own writing. You will find your own voice, as you experiment with a range of writing forms, including biography, creative non-fiction, fiction, and screenwriting–and expand your ability to create literary prose that reflects both your talent and critical thinking skills.

Program Prerequisite

JRN 2500  The Individual and the News in the Information Age 3 credits

Core Journalism Curriculum (15 credits)

JRN 3050  Journalistic Writing 4 credits

JRN 3220  Media Ethics 3 credits

JRN 3500  Advanced Reporting and Writing 4 credits or JRN 3510 Multimedia Reporting 4 credits

JRN 5050  Media Internship I (offered each fall) 4 credits

JRN 5051  Media Internship II (offered each spring) 4 credits

JRN 5052  Summer Media Internship 4 credits or JRN 4920 Narrative Writing (ENG 4920) 4 credits

Specialization Electives (9-11 credits)

JRN 3060  Feature Article Writing 3 credits

JRN 3064  Photojournalism (ART 3064) 3 credits

JRN 3065  Electronic Research Methods and Resources for Writers (LIB 3065) 3 credits

JRN 3100  Copy Editing 3 credits

JRN 3200  Business and Financial Writing 4 credits

JRN 3210  Television Field Reporting 3 credits

JRN 3280  Documentary Film (ENG 3280) 3 credits

JRN 3300  Science Communication 3 credits

JRN 3400  Journalistic Criticism and Reviewing 3 credits

JRN 3450  Journalistic Blogging 3 credits

JRN 3600  Creative Nonfiction 3 credits

JRN 3610  Workshop: Fiction Writing (ENG 3610) 3 credits

JRN 3615  Sudden Fiction – Crafting Short Short Stories (ENG 3615) 3 credits

JRN 3630  Workshop: Playwriting (THE 3052) 3 credits

JRN 3650  Workshop: Film and Television Writing 3 credits

JRN 3800  Environmental Reporting 3 credits

JRN 3900  Topics in Journalism 3 credits

JRN 4200  Press Coverage of Politics and Policy 3 credits

JRN 4220  A Century of Muckraking: Investigating Corporations, Corruption and Governmental Crooks 3 credits

JRN 4730  Journalism and the Literary Imagination 3 credits

JRN 4750  Investigative Reporting 3 credits

JRN 4920  Narrative Writing (ENG 4920) 4 credits

JRN 5000-5002  Independent Study in Journalism Variable

JRN 5052  Summer Media Internship 4 credits

JRN 6001H-6002H  Journalism Honors I and II 3 credits

Two courses in Literature at the 3000 level or above 6 credits

Department of Journalism and the Writing Professions: 646-312-3974 Professor Josh Mills: 646-312-3937

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The Best Journalism Colleges in the U.S.

Sophia Minhas

College admissions creative designer and lead admissions expert, table of contents, how the best colleges for journalists are ranked, what are the best colleges for journalists, choosing the best journalism school for you.

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If you’re an aspiring journalist, you’re likely searching for the best colleges for journalism majors to apply to. The schools you apply to and the one you end up attending will be instrumental in shaping your entire career. 

Maybe you already know which school is your top pick. Maybe you are just starting your search and have no idea what your choices are. Either way, it’s important that you become familiar with your options to ensure you end up at the best institution for your needs and goals. 

So what are the best journalism colleges in the U.S.?

Many schools offer journalism as a major area of study, but they are not all created equal. Just having a dedicated journalism program for undergraduates is not enough; schools must also excel in several areas to be ranked as one of the best. Some of those areas include the following:

Career Preparation

Some fields don’t require professionals to get real-world experience while they are still students — but journalism is not one of those fields. It’s a career choice that demands that students get plenty of hands-on experience before they graduate from college.

Therefore, the best colleges for journalism majors are those that prepare their students for their careers with internships and a host of other opportunities.

Program Reputation

It makes sense to say that a good college for journalism has a good journalism program. Look for a program that offers a range of core skills, including:

• Interviewing
• Investigating
• Researching

The program should also provide you with the means to learn the required technical aspects of journalism, including editing, audio, web design, video, content management, and shorthand.

School Reputation

Along with the program’s reputation, the school’s reputation is also an important factor to consider. Journalism is more interdisciplinary than ever, which means you need a college that provides students access to strong departments within the school, from computer science to English and everything in between. 

The college you choose must fully support how journalism has changed with technological advances in communication and media.

Class Options

The best journalism schools also offer a wide range of unique classes that help build strong foundational knowledge. Journalism classes that focus on niche areas are especially valuable, as they are often taught by faculty members who are interesting and creative and have plenty of resources to use in class.

Graduate School Reputation

Even though many students may not be considering graduate school right off the bat, it’s good to have colleges in mind that offer reputable graduate programs to journalists. Undergraduates who study journalism can gain much from schools with the faculty and resources of reputable graduate programs.

A Strong Alumni Network

Great schools churn out great alumni, and this holds true for journalism graduates. When colleges and their programs have many renowned and notable alumni, it speaks very well of those programs. 

It also gives undergraduate students a wealth of opportunities to network with these alumni, which can be very beneficial when you begin your job search after graduation.

Checking out rankings and “best of” lists is an excellent starting point in your quest to find the best college for you, but it should be just that — a starting point. You must take plenty of time to research everything journalism schools offer. This will help you find the one that best suits your needs and goals. 

Taking into consideration the above qualities of the best journalism colleges, the following schools are some of the finest institutions of higher learning for students interested in a journalism career.

Northwestern University

Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a private research university founded in 1851. For good reason, many consider Northwestern to be the number one school for journalism in the country. 

This college is home to one of the world’s top journalism graduate programs and a prestigious creative writing program. The school is renowned for its dedication to programs that ensure students are prepared for their careers as journalists. Some of those programs are:

• The Journalism Residency Program, where students work as reporters or public media specialists at locations around the country
• Medill Investigative Lab, where students examine criminal justice issues and look into questionable convictions
• The Media on the Hill Program, where students act as mobile journalists and quickly update information about events happening in Washington, D.C.

In addition, Northwestern University offers unique courses that aren’t offered anywhere else, such as Journalism in a Networked World and The Googlization of America.

The University of Florida

One of the best features of the University of Florida journalism program is that students are encouraged to get all the real-world experience they can before graduation. The College of Journalism and Communications has a large and well-established program that emphasizes that commitment.

The Innovation News Center produces more than six hours of broadcasted content daily. It’s also the location where journalism students can cover breaking news and work with clients as part of class projects. Students gain exceptionally valuable field-related experience as they spend time at any of the university’s seven radio and television stations.

The University of Missouri (Mizzou)

If you’re searching for a large public university with well-known graduate and undergraduate journalism programs, look no further than the University of Missouri in Columbia. Mizzou boasts more than 30 different concentrations available to journalism students, some of which include magazine publishing and management and entrepreneurial journalism. 

If that’s not impressive enough, if none of the 30 concentrations are exactly what a student is looking for, they are able to design their own! Students can also enjoy plenty of hands-on experience in media labs focusing on each concentration area.

In addition, relevant student campus groups are not in short supply; groups like the Student Society of News Design and the Association for Women in Sports Media help make Mizzou one of the best colleges for journalists.

New York University

Better known as NYU, this top-ranking school is a popular destination for students who are interested in a career in journalism, thanks in part to its revolutionary creative writing program. Students at NYU are given the choice to follow one of two undergraduate tracks: media criticism or journalism. Both programs focus on the importance of craft, the social role of journalists, and professional ethics.

Students who major in journalism must also major in one other discipline, and the fact that the school is located in NYC means its surrounded by some of the most prestigious media outlets in the world. However, many students also enjoy opportunities to study abroad.

Boston University

Boston U. is a prestigious school in “America’s biggest college town,” lending students of journalism an impressive array of opportunities. The intensive liberal arts background Boston University is known for has produced no fewer than two dozen Pulitzer Prize winners .

Students at this university enjoy ample pre-professional hands-on training and can focus on one of several concentrations. Many journalism majors consider BU one of the best journalism colleges in the U.S. because of the opportunity to intern at reputable local news organizations like the Boston Globe. The Master of Journalism degree program is also considered one of the nation’s best.

Emerson College

Another heavy hitter in Boston for journalism is Emerson College, located just a few blocks from the state house. Focusing on the technological advances in journalism, this college boasts several award-winning media outlets on campus that give students real-world experience.

Emerson adopted a new multimedia curriculum in 2011, and in addition to journalism, the curriculum includes digital communication, film, marketing, and more. With radio stations and newspapers galore, there are several hands-on opportunities for journalism students to hone their skills before they graduate.

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin makes frequent appearances on many lists of the best colleges for journalism majors. Journalism is a popular degree at this college, in part because of the high caliber of the supporting departments, including the Digital Communication department and the Communication & Media Studies department.

Students are supported by being active in any number of relevant student groups on campus, including UT’s student magazine ORANGE Magazine and the University of Texas Association of Hispanic Journalists. Digital skills training for journalism students is a priority for UT Austin, which has 18 Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni. 

When you’re considering all of the excellent journalism programs in schools across the U.S., keep in mind your specific needs, professional and academic goals, finances, and preferences. If you know you want to major in a certain concentration within journalism, make sure the schools you send college applications to offer that opportunity.

Begin your research early and make the effort to speak with current students, alumni, faculty members, and admissions personnel every chance you get. Visit the campuses that are top contenders. In turn, you’re sure to gain the best education for a rewarding career in journalism.

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49 Best Colleges for Graphic Design – 2024

April 23, 2024

Graphic design is a field of study that takes artistically gifted, creative students and helps to mold them into highly-marketable candidates for employment in a number of careers including: public relations, advertising, publishing, or working for a large design firm or as a self-employed contractor. The best programs in graphic design give students a solid academic foundation in art history, design, drawing, typography, animation, and photography. Practical skills are honed through studio courses, co-ops, internships, and senior projects. Our top graphic design programs list includes colleges that are exclusively dedicated to the arts/design such as the Rhode Island School of Design and Savannah College of Art and Design as well as many traditional universities that house design programs on campus.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Graphic Design Majors.

Best Colleges for Graphic Design Majors

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten graphic design institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Rhode Island School of Design

2) Pratt Institute-Main

3) Savannah College of Art and Design

4) Boston University

5) Carnegie Mellon University

6) Yale University

7) University of Southern California

8) Washington University

9) Northeastern University

10) University of California, Los Angeles

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of graphic design and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for graphic design, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Rhode Island School of Design

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights:  The student-to-faculty ratio at RISD is just 9:1 which means students get a ton of personalized attention from their professors. The average class size is just 15 students. Among the most popular majors are architecture, cinematography and video production, painting, sculpture, illustration, and computer graphics. In total, there are 44 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for students to choose from.

Professional Outcomes:  Recent graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design found their next positive career/educational step at a 97% clip. Companies hiring RISD grads include Athleta, Citigroup, Chewy, Deloitte, Coach, Barefoot Books, the New York Times, Nickelodeon, NVIDIA, NASA, Fidelity, Google, Paramount, Reebok, and West Elm. 46% of recent grads earned more than $40,000 as a starting salary.

• Enrollment: 2,044
• Cost of Attendance: $85,986
• Median SAT: N/A
• Mid-50% ACT: 28-34
• Acceptance Rate: 19%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

Pratt Institute

• Brooklyn, NY

Academic Highlights:  There are 1,200 faculty members at Pratt Institute that provide instruction to 48 academic programs. An enviable 74% of class sections enroll fewer than 20 students. Overall, 65% of all degrees conferred fall under the performing arts umbrella with illustration, painting, photography, sculpture, game design, and cinematography and video production all on the menu. 20% of Pratt students earn architecture degrees and 10% study communication technologies.

Professional Outcomes:  Looking at recent Pratt grads, 90% were gainfully employed or attending grad school within six months of earning their undergraduate diploma. Employers who scoop up Pratt alumni include Warner Media, NBC Universal, Gensler, David Zwirner, Apple, PepsiCo, IBM, and LVMH. Further, 78% of graduates are satisfied with their occupation and 85% report that their job is relevant to their field of study.

• Enrollment: 3,702
• Cost of Attendance: $80,993
• Median SAT: 1330
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 45%
• Retention Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 76%

Savannah College of Art and Design

• Savannah, GA

Academic Highlights: Savannah College of Art and Design offers more than 40 programs of study and close to half of all classes enroll no more than 19 students. The most commonly pursued degrees are Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects (21%), Illustration (14%), Digital Communication (13%), Cinematography and Film Production (9%), and Fashion/Apparel Design (6%).

Professional Outcomes:  A tremendous 99% of SCAD graduates report being employed or engaged in further study within ten months of graduating. Further, 91% state that they are working in a field/position related to their area of study. Many alumni are self-employed but sizable numbers also obtain employment with Amazon, Apple, Deloitte, Gensler, Google, Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

• Enrollment: 13,622
• Cost of Attendance: $65,574
• Median SAT: 1240
• Median ACT: 24
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Retention Rate: 75%
• Graduation Rate: 62%

Boston University

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across ten schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—60% contain fewer than twenty students; only 19% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in social sciences (16%), business/marketing (15%), communications and journalism (15%), biology (11%), engineering (9%), and health professions/related sciences (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 90% of BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-quarter of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs. For example, engineering students found new academic homes at MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 18,459
• Cost of Attendance: $86,363
• Median SAT: 1430
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 14%
• Retention Rate: 94%

Carnegie Mellon University

• Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: There are a combined 80+ undergraduate majors and 90 minors available across the six schools. Impressively, particularly for a school with more graduate students than undergrads, CMU boasts a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, with 36% containing single digits. In a given school year, 800+ undergraduates conduct research through the University Research Office. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (21%), computer science (16%), mathematics (12%), business (10%), and visual and performing arts (9%).

Professional Outcomes: By the end of the calendar year in which they received their diplomas, 66% of 2022 grads were employed, and 28% were continuing to graduate school. The companies that have routinely scooped up CMU grads include Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Accenture, McKinsey, and Deloitte. With an average starting salary of $105,194, CMU grads outpace the average starting salary for a college grad nationally. Of those pursuing graduate education, around 20% typically enroll immediately in PhD programs.

• Enrollment: 7,509
• Cost of Attendance: $84,412
• Median SAT: 1540
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Retention Rate: 97%
• Graduation Rate: 92%

Yale University

• New Haven, CT

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80 majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Among the top departments are biology, economics, global affairs, engineering, history, and computer science. The social sciences (26%), biology (11%), mathematics (8%), and computer science (8%) are the most popular areas of concentration.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 73% of the Yale Class of 2022 had entered the world of employment and 18% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The most common industries entered by the newly hired were finance (20%), research/education (16%), technology (14%), and consulting (12%). The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $81,769 ($120k for CS majors). Nearly one-fifth of students immediately pursue graduate school.

• Enrollment: 6,590 (undergraduate); 5,344 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,705
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 98%

University of Southern California

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights : There are 140 undergraduate majors and minors within the Dornsife College of Arts & Sciences alone, the university’s oldest and largest school. The Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and programs in communication, the cinematic arts, and the performing arts are highly acclaimed. Popular areas of study are business (22%), social sciences (11%), visual and performing arts (11%), communications/journalism (9%), and engineering (8%). Most courses enroll 10-19 students, and USC does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The top five industries entered were finance, consulting, advertising, software development, and engineering; the median salary across all majors is an astounding $79k. Presently, between 300 and 1,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Meta. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2022 USC grads include NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 20,699 (undergraduate); 28,246 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,921
• Median SAT: 1510
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Graduation Rate: 93%

Washington University in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights : WashU admits students into five schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs: Arts & Sciences, the Olin School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Art of Architecture programs housed within the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (13%), social sciences (13%), business (13%), biology (11%), and psychology (10%). 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. 65% double major or pursue a minor.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 sent 52% of grads into the workforce and 28% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Amazon, Bain, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. Of the employed members of the Class of 2022 who reported their starting salaries, 79% made more than $60k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 8,132 (undergraduate); 8,880 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $83,760
• Median SAT: 1530
• Retention Rate: 96%

Northeastern University

Academic Highlights: Northeastern offers 290 majors and 180 combined majors within nine colleges and programs. Experiential learning is had by virtually all graduates, thanks to the school’s illustrious and robust co-op program. The D’Amore-McKim School of Business is a top-ranked school and offers one of the best international business programs anywhere, and both the College of Engineering and College of Computer Science are highly respected as well. Criminal justice, architecture, and nursing are three other majors that rate near the top nationally.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after leaving Northeastern, 97% of students have landed at their next employment or graduate school destination. Huskies entering the job market are quickly rounded up by the likes of State Street, Fidelity Investments, IBM, and Amazon, all of whom employ 500+ Northeastern alums. Between 200 and 500 employees at Wayfair, Google, Amazon, Oracle, IBM, and Apple have an NU lineage. Starting salaries are above average (55% make more than $60k), in part due to the stellar co-op program.

• Enrollment: 20,980 (undergraduate); 15,826 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,821
• Median SAT: 1500
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Graduation Rate: 91%

University of California, Los Angeles

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers 125 majors in 100+ academic departments, and more than 60 majors require a capstone experience that results in the creation of a tangible product under the mentorship of faculty members. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (25%), biology (16%), psychology (11%), mathematics (8%), and engineering (7%). Departmental rankings are high across the board, especially in computer science, engineering, film, fine and performing arts, mathematics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA grads flow most heavily into the research, finance, computer science, and engineering sectors. High numbers of recent grads can be found at Disney, Google, EY, Teach for America, Amazon, and Oracle. Hundreds also can be found at Bloomberg, Deloitte, Mattel, Oracle, and SpaceX. The average starting salary exceeds $55,000. 16% of recent grads enrolled directly in a graduate/professional school, with other CA-based institutions like Stanford, Pepperdine, USC, Berkeley, and Loyola Marymount being the most popular.

• Enrollment: 33,040 (undergraduate); 15,010 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,517 (in-state); $71,091 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 9%

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Champaign-Urbana, IL

Academic Highlights: Eight of UIUC’s fifteen schools cater to undergraduate students. There are 150 academic programs offered, including those at the acclaimed Grainger College of Engineering and Gies College of Business. In sheer volume of degrees conferred, engineering and business/marketing are tied at 19%, followed by the social sciences (9%) and psychology (6%). 39% of sections are capped at 19 students. 29% of undergraduates work with a faculty member on a research project; another 22% have some type of fieldwork, practicum, or clinical experience.

Professional Outcomes: 95% of the members of the Class of 2022 landed at their next destination within six months of graduation, with 38% matriculating directly into an advanced degree program. 57% were employed full-time; the most popular sectors were finance, consulting, healthcare, electronics, and education. Corporations landing the most recent Illini grads were KPMG, Deloitte, Epic Systems, EY, PwC, and Amazon. The average salary across all Class of 2022 majors was an extremely solid $75,000.

• Enrollment: 35,120 (undergraduate); 21,796 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,926-$41,190 (in-state); $55,386-$63,290 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1440
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

• Minneapolis, MN

Academic Highlights: There are 150 majors available across eight freshman-admitting undergraduate colleges. 65% of class sections enroll 29 or fewer students. The most commonly conferred degrees are in biology (13%), business & marketing (11%), engineering (10%), the social sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and psychology (8%). The College of Science and Engineering and the Carlson School of Management have strong national reputations, and the chemistry, economics, psychology, and political science departments are also well-regarded.

Professional Outcomes: The top seven companies snatching up the largest number of recent grads are all companies headquartered in the state of Minnesota: Medtronic, Target, 3M, United Health Group, US Bank, and Cargill. Google, Apple, and Meta all employ hundreds of Twin Cities alumni. The mean starting salary for recent grads was $50k. With 130 graduate programs in science, art, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and the humanities, the University of Minnesota retains many of its graduates as they pursue their next degrees.

• Enrollment: 39,248 (undergraduate); 15,707 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,032-$35,632 (in-state); $54,446-$57,046
• Median SAT: 1370
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 75%
• Retention Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

Ringling College of Art and Design

• Sarasota, FL

Academic Highlights:  Over 70% of the Ringling College of Art and Design’s classes take place in a small learning environment of no more than 19 students. There are no large lecture hall classes at this school that caters primarily to Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects (34%), Illustration (31%), Art (13%), and Cinematography and Film/Video Production (11%) majors.

Professional Outcomes:  A good number of Ringling College of Art and Design alumni are currently self-employed and/or doing freelance work in a creative field. Those who have more formal employment arrangements are most frequently hired by DreamWorks Animation, Pixar Animation Studios, Hallmark Cards, Meta, Blizzard Entertainment, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts, Amazon, and Feld Entertainment.

• Enrollment: 1,705
• Cost of Attendance: $73,110
• Median ACT: N/A
• Acceptance Rate: 65%
• Retention Rate: 82%
• Graduation Rate: 75%

The New School

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights:  A 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio at the New School allows for 89% of course sections to enroll under 20 students. This means students in all academic programs receive a great deal of personalized instruction and attention. The most popular majors at the New School all fall under the umbrella of the visual arts (62%). A smattering of students also concentrate in computer science (11%), journalism (7%), liberal arts (6%), and English (4%).

Professional Outcomes:  Within the first year after earning their bachelor’s degree, 82% of graduates have already found their first employment opportunity or elected to continue their studies. 70% of recent grads entered the working world and another 12% entered an advanced degree program. Employers of 15 or more alumni include the United Nations, JP Morgan and Co., Amazon, The New York Times, Meta, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Enrollment: 7,208
• Cost of Attendance: $85,668
• Acceptance Rate: 57%
• Retention Rate: 71%
• Graduation Rate: 70%

University of Florida

• Gainesville, FL

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. The Warrington College of Business and the Wertheim College of Engineering are highly respected, so it’s no surprise that those two programs confer the greatest percentage of degrees—12% and 14%, respectively. Biology (11%), the social sciences (11%), and health professions (8%) are next in popularity. 53% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 33% of students partake in an undergraduate research experience.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation day, 66% of the Class of 2022 had already procured a first job. The top occupational areas were engineering (13%), health care (13%), computer science (5%), and marketing (4%). 200+ Gator alumni can be found at top corporations like Google, EY, Raymond James, Deloitte, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and PwC. The average salary for all 2022 grads was $69k, with a high of $100k for computer science majors. Of those pursuing advanced degrees, a master’s degree was the most popular pursuit (63%) followed by law school (11%).

• Enrollment: 34,552 (undergraduate); 20,659 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $23,530 (in-state); $45,808 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1400
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 23%
• Graduation Rate: 90%

California Institute of the Arts

• Santa Clarita

Academic Highlights:  Students come to the California Institute of the Arts for very specific reasons. The most commonly pursued majors include animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects (28%),  acting (8%), fine/studio arts (8%), music theory and composition (8%), graphic design (8%), and technical theatre/theatre design and technology (8%). Classes are small and personalized instruction is available thanks to a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Professional Outcomes:  Many graduates go on to do freelance work or are self-employed, but large numbers of students are scooped up by the Walt Disney Company, Pixar Animation Studios, Netflix, Apple, Nickelodeon Animation, and DreamWorks Animation. Some also work in the tech industry for the likes of Google and Apple. The vast majority of alumni settle in Los Angeles, but many others travel to New York City and San Francisco.

• Enrollment: 965
• Cost of Attendance: $67,502
• Acceptance Rate: 29%
• Retention Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate: 72%

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 18%

Temple University

• Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights: Temple offers 100 undergraduate programs, including those at the well-regarded Fox School of Business. Other programs with strong national reputations include criminal justice, public health, and kinesiology. The most undergraduate degrees are conferred in business (22%) followed by communication/journalism and health professions (tied at 11%), the visual and performing arts (8%), biology (7%), psychology (6%), and computer science (5%). 42% of classes have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 71% contain no more than 29 undergraduates.

Professional Outcomes: 51% of recent grads quickly secured employment and another 18% were enrolled in graduate school. Hundreds of Owl alumni can be found at big-time companies such as Merck, Comcast, Vanguard, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, and Bristol Myers Squib. Within six months of graduating, 91% of Fox School of Business 2021 graduates were employed or had started their own businesses. The median salary for all graduates of that school was $57,000.

• Enrollment: 24,106 (undergraduate); 9,124 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,828-$46,866 (in-state); $56,092-$65,618 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1245
• Median ACT: 27
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Retention Rate: 84%
• Graduation Rate: 78%

Drexel University

Academic Highlights: There are 80+ undergraduate majors to choose from at Drexel and they offer a reasonable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio with commensurately reasonable class sizes. Fifty-two percent of sections contain 19 or fewer students, and just a sliver under 9% of sections contain fifty or more. Looking at the number of degrees conferred by discipline, the big three at Drexel are business (25%), health professions (21%), and engineering (17%). Visual and performing arts (9%), and CS (8%) round out the list of majors with a sizable representation.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 97%, Dragons have arrived at their next destination; 81% were employed, and 13% had matriculated into graduate or professional school. The largest employers of Drexel alumni are Comcast, Merck, Vanguard, and Johnson & Johnson. The average starting salary for Drexel grads with a full-time job was $64,774. Drexel’s medical school acceptance rate was 60%, roughly 20 points higher than the national average. It offers an accelerated BS/MD program with its own Drexel University College of Medicine.

• Enrollment: 13,881
• Cost of Attendance: $81,508
• Retention Rate: 87%

Rochester Institute of Technology

• Rochester, NY

Academic Highlights: There are nine undergraduate colleges at RIT, including the top-ranked Gleason College of Engineering and the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. The co-op program is the fourth oldest in the country; most students complete a one- or two-semester paid learning experience. The most popular majors are engineering & engineering technologies (34%), computer and information sciences (20%), visual and performing arts (10%), and business (9%). RIT’s game design program is the best on the East Coast, and programs in film, art, and design are also quite strong.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 95% of recent grads had found employment or a full-time graduate program. Major companies presently employing more than 500 RIT alums include Xerox and Paychex, both with offices in Rochester. Between 200 and 450 employees of IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Amazon, Google, and Cisco were educated at RIT. Starting salary figures vary greatly by major with College of Business grads landing a median starting salary of $63k and computer science majors of $102k right out of school.

• Enrollment: 13,940 (undergraduate); 2,675 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $75,390
• Median SAT: 1350
• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• Retention Rate: 85%
• Graduation Rate: 74%

University of Illinois at Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: Undergrads pursue one of 95 bachelor’s programs offered through the 11 (of 16) colleges that grant undergraduate degrees. The most popular majors are business/marketing (16%), health professions (13%), and engineering (13%) followed by biology (12%), psychology (9%), and the social sciences (5%). The business, engineering, and computer science programs all have a solid national reputation. Close to two-thirds of classes enroll fewer than 29 students.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 had a 97% success rate six months after graduation, with 14% enrolling directly in graduate school. Students on the engineering, applied sciences, and public health tracks found employment or a graduate school home at the highest rates. By volume, the largest employer of UIC grads is Chicago Public Schools. More than 100 alumni can also be found employed by Allstate, Amazon, Accenture, Microsoft, IBM, Google, Deloitte, and Meta. The average salary for a 2022 grad was a solid $64k.

• Enrollment: 21,807 (undergraduate); 11,940 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $37,572-$40,986 (in-state); $53,118-56,532 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1220
• Retention Rate: 78%

Maryland Institute College of Art

• College Park, MD

Academic Highlights: The oldest degree-granting college of art and design in the country, MICA offers 14 undergraduate majors and 23 minors. In addition to classic fine arts majors like painting, fiber, sculpture, and photography, MICA also offers innovative degrees in areas like Ecosystems, Sustainability, and Justice and Studio and Humanistic Studies. 40% of undergrads are fine arts majors while 60% are design and media arts majors. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 experienced overwhelmingly positive outcomes with 95% employed. 96% were working in a field related to their area of study and 5% were pursuing graduate coursework. Over the past five years, the most alumni have gone on to the arts and design, business development, and education sectors. Top employers include the Maryland Institute College of Art, Towson University, Google, Baltimore City Public Schools, Johns Hopkins, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and the Pratt Institute. A large number are also self-employed.

• Enrollment: 1,694 (undergraduate); 396 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $72,255
• Acceptance Rate: 86%
• Retention Rate: 72%
• Graduation Rate: 67%

Iowa State University

Academic Highlights:  With more than 100 majors available across six undergraduate colleges, Iowa State has no shortage of academic pathways to explore. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, yet, courses are a mix of large and small. 31% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students and 22% enroll more than 50. In terms of sheer popularity, engineering wins the day accounting for 23% of degrees earned in 2022. Business (18%), agricultural fields (10%), biology (5%), and education (5%) also see high volume.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are employed in fairly large numbers by the likes of John Deere, Principal Financial Group, and Amazon. Overall, the most alumni work for Wells Fargo, Bayer, Corteva Agriscience, Collins Aerospace, Cargill, and Microsoft. Most remain in Iowa after graduation but many also move to Minnesota, Chicago, California, or Texas. The average starting salary for an engineering grad was $74,716 in 2023.

• Enrollment: 25,241
• Cost of Attendance: $24,204 (In-State); $41,390 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Retention Rate: 86%

University of Utah

• Salt Lake City, UT

Academic Highlights : The university’s 16 colleges and schools house 100 undergraduate programs, including the top-ranked engineering, business, and computer science departments. Forty-four percent of courses enroll 19 students or fewer while 17% are on the larger side, enrolling 50 or more students. Popular majors include the social sciences (14%), business (13%), engineering (8%), computer science (8%), psychology (8%), communication/journalism (6%), and health professions (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 63% of recent grads planned to enter full-time employment while 25% jumped directly into an advanced degree program. Employers hiring the greatest number of Utes include Intermountain Healthcare, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Microsoft, Adobe, Pluralsight, and Lucid. The average starting salary is $65,786, and the median is $58,240.

• Enrollment: 26,355 (undergraduate); 8,379 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $32,000 (in-state); $53,704 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1290
• Median ACT: 25
• Acceptance Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 65%

Arizona State University

Academic Highlights: The faculty-to-student ratio is a fairly high 19:1, but not all classes call for stadium seating. In fact, 40% of course sections seat fewer than twenty students. Business is the concentration in which 22% of total bachelor’s degrees are conferred. Engineering (9%), biology (9%), and the health professions (7%) are the next three most popular. The WP Carey School of Business offers many highly ranked programs as does the Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Professional Outcomes: A healthy 83% percent of ASU graduates looking for work are employed within six months of earning their degrees. The median salary for an ASU grad is roughly $55,000. Among the school’s top fifty employers are Amazon, Apple, Intel, The Vanguard Group, and Walt Disney Company. Approximately one-fifth of recent grads enrolled in graduate school. Similar to employment, the size and scope of the university lead to many graduate pathways. Many grads continue at ASU itself, but some continue at various prestigious institutions.

• Enrollment: 65,492
• Cost of Attendance: $28,142 (in-state); $48,284 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1250
• Median ACT: 23
• Graduation Rate: 69%

The Ohio State University — Columbus

• Columbus, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 200+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. Business sees the greatest percentage of degrees conferred at 18% followed by engineering (15%), health professions (10%), and the social sciences (9%). It makes sense that so many flock to the business and engineering schools as they are among the highest-rated undergraduate programs in their respective disciplines. 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and approximately 20% of students gain research experience.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 56% of Class of 2022 graduates were entering the world of employment while 17% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.  Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation’s leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, more than 1,000 are employed by Amazon, and more than 600 work for Google and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU’s own programs.

• Enrollment: 45,728 (undergraduate); 14,318 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,241 (in-state); $52,747 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1340-1450
• Median ACT: 29-32
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

Chapman University

Academic Highlights:  Chapman offers 50 majors in STEM, humanities, communication, the arts, and business. Overall, 46% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. One-third of all degrees earned are in the area of business; the next most pursued are the visual and performing arts (21%), journalism (9%), and psychology (6%). In addition to the famed film program, the school gets acclaim for its innovation and the quality of undergraduate teaching.

Professional Outcomes: The Walt Disney Company, Amazon, Deloitte, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Google, and NBCUniversal are the most common employers of Chapman graduates. Students in the Argyros College of Business and Economics earned an average starting salary of $77,164 in 2023. 62% of that cohort had already secured employment by graduation day. Most graduates remain in the state of California, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Irvine attracting particularly high numbers of alumni.

• Enrollment: 7,869
• Cost of Attendance: $90,370
• Median SAT: 1300
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Retention Rate: 91%

North Carolina State University

• Raleigh, NC

Academic Highlights: NC State offers more than 100 majors and 120 minors. 64% of sections enroll 29 or fewer students. Engineering is the most popular area of concentration as 24% of Class of 2022 graduates earned a degree in that field. Business/marketing comes in second at 17% followed by biology (10%) and agriculture (7%). NC State has an exceptional regional reputation and an expanding national one with the College of Engineering near the top of many rankings. Programs in design, architecture, and animal science are also very strong.

Professional Outcomes: 54% of students graduating in 2022 had already accepted full-time jobs before exiting; 27% were heading to graduate/professional school. Members of that class reported an average starting salary of $62,024 (with a slightly higher median). Including all graduating years, the companies employing the largest number of alumni are Cisco, Red Hat, SAS, IBM, Lenovo, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Google, Deloitte, Facebook, and Salesforce. Many recent grads also work for the university itself and for the Wake County Public School System.

• Enrollment: 26,254 (undergraduate); 10,446 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,451 (in-state); $51,662 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1340
• Median ACT: 28
• Acceptance Rate: 47%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

Cal Poly – Pomona

Academic Highlights:  Cal Poly Pomona is a massive institution with 1,076 faculty members at over 25,000 undergraduate students. The average size for an undergraduate class section is 32 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 25:1. While a polytechnic institute, the most commonly conferred degree in 2022 was actually business (29%). Next up are engineering (18%), the social sciences (9%), science technologies (6%), and agriculture (4%).

Professional Outcomes:  An excellent 91% of the Class of 2023 had already achieved positive outcomes within six months of leaving campus. The employers locking down the largest number of recent Cal Poly Pomona grads were Accenture, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bloomberg, DraftKings, Meta, Morgan Stanley, NIH, Nike, PwC, and Tesla Motors. The graduate destinations of Class of 2023 members included Harvard, Brown, Duke, Stanford, Oxford, Yale, USC, UPenn, and Georgia Tech.

• Enrollment: 25,181
• Cost of Attendance: $29,226 (In-State); $41,406 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 55%
• Graduation Rate: 66%

Texas Christian University

• Forth Worth, TX

Academic Highlights: TCU offers 116 undergraduate majors. The most popular are housed in the Neely School of Business, including the highly-rated BBA in Entrepreneurship. 27% of all degrees conferred in 2022 fell under the business umbrella. The engineering program is also well-regarded. Other commonly conferred degrees include communications/journalism (15%), health professions (11%), and the social sciences (9%). 39% of its class sections have 20 or fewer students, and only 5% of courses seat more than 50.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 48% of recent diploma-earners were employed and 18% had their graduate school placement lined up. American Airlines, Deloitte, IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Medical City Hospitals employ the greatest number of recent alumni. Other companies with a large TCU presence include Microsoft, CBRE, Goldman Sachs, and AT&T. The most recent median starting salary was $58,900. For those who enrolled in an advanced degree program, the most commonly pursued areas of study were medicine/health (27%), business (21%), and psychology (13%).

• Enrollment: 10,523 (undergraduate); 1,750 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,051
• Median SAT: 1260
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Retention Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 83%

University of Denver

Academic Highlights : There are 200 total degree programs at the University of Denver, with small class sizes being the norm as 55% of sections contain no more than 19 students, and 80% enroll a maximum of 29 individuals. The Daniels College of Business is highly respected by employers and attracts the greatest number of undergraduates. 32% of the degrees conferred in 2022 were in business/marketing, 16% were in the social sciences, 9% in biology, 9% in psychology, 8% in communication/journalism, and 7% in the visual and performing arts.

Professional Outcomes: 90% of 2022 Pioneer grads successfully entered the world of employment or graduate school within six months of earning their bachelor’s degree. 59% were employed full-time with a mean starting salary of $62k. Top employers included KPMG, Brown Brothers Harriman, Lockheed Martin, Epic, and Oracle. Other corporations employing 70 or more DU alums include CenturyLink, Charles Schwab, Comcast, Deloitte, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. 27% of 2022 graduates elected to continue their education in a graduate program.

• Enrollment: 6,160 (undergraduate); 7,583 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $80,614
• Median SAT: 1310
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Retention Rate: 88%
• Graduation Rate: 77%

Michigan State University

• East Lansing, MI

Academic Highlights: This highly regarded state institution boasts over 200 programs—undergraduate, graduate, and professional—across 17 degree-granting colleges. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio rates in the average range for public universities of MSU’s size and scope. Class sizes are a genuine mix of small seminars and giant lecture halls. 16% of the degrees conferred in 2022 were in the business/marketing category. The next most common degrees were earned in communication/journalism (12%), engineering (11%), and the social sciences (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of strutting across the graduation stage, 56% of Class of 2022 members had landed full-time employment, 27% were pursuing advanced degrees, and 6% were still looking for a job. The top employers of this group included big names like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Deloitte, Epic Systems, Target, PepsiCo, and Microsoft. The median starting salary earned was $60,000. Among the grads schools favored by recent alumni are the University of Michigan, New York University, Columbia University, and Boston University.

• Enrollment: 39,201
• Cost of Attendance: $27,805 (In-State); $55,189 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate:
• Graduation Rate: 82%

Purchase College (SUNY)

• Purchase, NY

Academic Highlights: At SUNY Purchase, which is considered a liberal arts college, you are free to pursue one of 47 majors and 32 minors. In typical liberal arts fashion, most courses are in small settings, with 74% of all sections enrolled fewer than 20 students. No one major is wildly popular at Purchase College; rather there is a fairly even spread of students across psychology (7%), dance (6%), playwriting/screenwriting (6%), drama (4%), fine arts (4%), communications (4%), and painting (4%).

Professional Outcomes:  The rate of positive graduate outcomes is a spectacular 92% when measured 8-12 months outside of graduation. 86% have landed employment and 13% are enrolled in graduate school (with some overlap). 22% of 2022 grads work in the field of the arts/entertainment while 24% work in business and 17% work in each of education/human services and public services and law.

• Enrollment: 3,145
• Cost of Attendance: $28,131 (In-State); $38,041 (Out-of-State)
• Retention Rate: 63%
• Graduation Rate: 79%

DePaul University

Academic Highlights:  There are more than 300 undergraduate majors and graduate programs at the nation’s largest Catholic research university. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1 and 42% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students. A hefty 32% of all degrees awarded in 2022 were in the discipline of business/marketing. The next most popular areas of study were the visual and performing arts (13%), journalism (11%), and computer science (10%). The University rates well in the areas of overall value and facilitating social mobility.

Professional Outcomes:  92% of 2022 graduates found their next positive step in life within six months of being awarded their diploma. 81% were employed earning a modest median salary of $45,000. Sample employers included Epic. Xerox Business Solutions, UBS, KPMG, and a number of nonprofit entities. Less than 10% of DePaul graduates directly enter graduate or professional school right after completing their undergraduate education.

• Enrollment: 14,134
• Cost of Attendance: $66,798
• Median SAT: 1190
• Acceptance Rate: 70%

University of Georgia

Academic Highlights: UGA boasts seventeen distinct colleges and schools that offer 125+ majors. Business is the most commonly conferred undergrad degree, accounting for 29% of diplomas earned. It is followed by biology (10%), social sciences (8%), communication & journalism (8%), and psychology (7%). Top-ranked programs include animal science, business, communications, and public and international affairs. 49% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and no matter your major, UGA encourages you to conduct research with a member of the school’s faculty.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of the Class of 2022 was employed or continuing their education six months after graduation. Popular employers include Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Walt Disney Company, and Deloitte. Salaries vary between colleges; engineering grads had a median starting salary of $65k while journalism and communication grads reported a $50k median. In 2022, 24% of graduates enrolled directly into a graduate/professional degree program, with the most commonly attended schools including Columbia, Duke, Emory, Georgia Tech, Penn, and UVA.

• Enrollment: 30,714 (undergraduate); 9,893 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,142 (in-state); $48,538 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 43%

University of Kansas

• Lawrence, KS

Academic Highlights: The University of Kansas is comprised of 14 academic schools that offer over 190 undergraduate majors. Its programs in nursing, psychology, business, and engineering are particularly strong. Popularity-wise, the most degrees are conferred in psychology (7%), journalism (5%), finance (5%), nursing (5%), marketing (4%), and accounting (4%). 49% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. As a top research institution, there are an incredible number of research opportunities for undergraduates across all majors.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 54% of alumni were employed full-time while 35% were continuing their education. For those employed, the average salary was $55k; top employers included University of Kansas, University of Kansas Medical Center, Shawnee Mission School District, Kansas City Public Schools, Burns & McDonnell, and Kiewit. For those pursuing graduate or professional degrees, the most popular area of study was accounting followed by pharmacy and law; the top institution attended was the University of Kansas itself.

• Enrollment: 20,696 (undergraduate); 7,710 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,280 (in-state); $45,486 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1160
• Acceptance Rate: 88%

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Academic Highlights: More than 100 undergraduate majors are offered across five colleges: the College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Sciences, the School of Business, and the College of Health Sciences. Programs in engineering, computer science, business, and health sciences are particularly strong. Popularity-wise, the most degrees are conferred in business (22%), criminal justice (8%), psychology (7%), computer science (6%), and mechanical engineering (5%). 48% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: 98% of the Class of 2022 experienced positive outcomes, with 61% employed and 38% continuing their education. Additionally, over the past five years, alumni have gone on to the engineering, operations, education, research, information technology, healthcare services, and sales sectors in the largest numbers. Top employers include UMass Lowell itself followed by Raytheon, Lowell General Hospital, Fidelity, BAE, Analog Devices, Pfizer, the US Air Force, Massachusetts General Hospital, and TJX Companies.

• Enrollment: 12,885 (undergraduate); 4,978 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $34,564 (in-state); $53,390 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 85%

Miami University – Oxford

Academic Highlights: Miami University sports a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, lower than Ohio State. As at most publics, classes certainly aren’t tiny, but Miami U. keeps the majority of courses—65% to be precise—at an enrollment of 29 or fewer. Almost one-quarter of graduates earn a degree in business/marketing, making it the most popular area of academic concentration. Other commonly pursued majors include the social sciences (9%), health professions (9%), journalism (8%), biology (6%), parks and recreation (6%), and education (6%).

Professional Outcomes: The overall success rate for the Class of 2022 was 99%, roughly the same as for the previous two cohorts. Fifty-five percent of recent Miami grads were employed and by mid-career, alumni enjoy a median salary of $118k. Over one-quarter of recent grads elected to continue their education in graduate or professional school. Miami boasts a strong premed program that resulted in 63% of medical school applicants gaining acceptance over the last four years.

• Enrollment: 16,865
• Cost of Attendance: $34,342 (In-State); $56,558 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1270
• Graduation Rate: 81%

Thomas Jefferson University

Academic Highlights: Offering 160+ undergraduate and graduate degrees combined with Philadelphia University in 2017. Sporting an excellent 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, this private university keeps 59% of its class sections at under 20 students. 30% of all degrees conferred are for registered nursing, followed by family practice nursing (12%), health services (12%), allied health diagnostic (6%), architectural technology (4%), and fashion merchandising (4%).

Professional Outcomes:  Shortly after earning their undergraduate degrees, 60% of recent alumni had already found their first job and 37% were pursuing an advanced degree. The top employers included JP Morgan Chase & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Fox Chase Cancer Center, BLT Architects, and Thomas Jefferson Hospital. Graduate school enrollments included Hofstra, Temple School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, UPenn, and Penn State.

• Enrollment: 3,771
• Cost of Attendance: $60,889
• Median SAT: 1210
• Acceptance Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 68%

Appalachian State University

Academic Highlights: Students can select from 150 bachelor’s degrees and 80 graduate programs at App State. A reasonable 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to 39% of all course sections having fewer than 20 students and just 8% enrolling 50 or more. 20% of all 2022 grads earned their degree in business/marketing followed by health professions (10%), education (9%), parks & recreation (9%), journalism (8%), and psychology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within one year of graduating, 86% of those surveyed have arrived at their next destination. Undergrads benefit from nine annual career fairs and the 16,000 employers that are approved to recruit on campus. Further, 99% of students find the Career Development Center to be helpful. Alumni go on to work in large numbers for Wells Fargo, Atrium Health, Novant Health, Bank of America, Red Hat, Cisco, and Duke Energy Corporation.

• Enrollment: 18,558
• Cost of Attendance: $20,339 (In-State); $37,335 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1180
• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Retention Rate: 83%

Virginia Commonwealth University

• Richmond, VA

Academic Highlights:  A large public institution with 200 academic offerings, VCU still manages to keep 48% of its class sections capped at an enrollment of 19 thanks to a manageable 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Popular majors include the visual and performing arts (12%), business (11%), psychology (10%), biology (9%), education (7%), and homeland security (7%). The university is highly rated for innovation, value, and its stellar nursing program.

Professional Outcomes:  After earning their diplomas, 48% quickly landed their first job and 22% entered an advanced degree program. The top industries were healthcare, internet & software, higher education, government, and retail. Overall, 87% of grads were satisfied with their employment outcome and 78% remained in the state of Virginia. Massive numbers of alumni can be found in the offices of Dominion Energy, VCU Health, Capital One, CarMax, Deloitte, and Apex Systems.

• Enrollment: 20,958
• Cost of Attendance: $29,516 (In-State); $52,100 (Out-of-State)
• Median ACT: 26
• Acceptance Rate: 91%

Fashion Institute of Technology

Academic Highlights:  FIT is a public institution that attracts students from 46 nations and offers programs in Art & Design, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Business and Technology. The most popular majors at the Fashion Institute of Technology are fashion merchandising (24%), fashion & apparel design (18%), communication management (16%), international marketing (16%), and design and visual communications (5%).

Professional Outcomes:  78% of those who earned a bachelor’s in 2022 were employed six months after graduation and 18% were looking for work. Most fresh alumni (85%) were employed by a company and 13% were freelancers. Employers of more than 100 FIT alumni include L’Oreal, Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, Nike, Amazon, Coach, Victoria’s Secret & Co., the Estee Lauder Companies, CHANEL, Louis Vuitton, and the Style Shop.

• Enrollment: 7,872
• Tuition: $6,170 (In-State); $16,750 (Out-of-State)

University of Houston

• Houston, TX

Academic Highlights: Nearly 100 undergraduate majors are offered across 11 different colleges. Programs within the College of Business and College of Engineering are particularly strong, especially petroleum engineering, entrepreneurship, and marketing. The most degrees are conferred in business/management/marketing (28%), psychology (7%), computer science (7%), engineering (7%), biological sciences (7%), and social sciences (6%). 34% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and

Professional Outcomes: By graduation day, 29% of recent grads had already accepted a full-time position and 11% had been accepted to graduate school. For those who entered the workforce, top employers were Houston ISD (as well as several other school systems), JPMorgan Chase, Houston Methodist, and Walgreens. Of those continuing their education, the highest percentage stayed at the University of Houston followed by the University of Texas, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M, Texas Woman’s University, and Rice.

• Enrollment: 37,946 (undergraduate); 8,730 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $24,268 (in-state); $39,868 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1230

University of South Florida

Academic Highlights:  USF has an astounding 200 undergraduate majors and concentration areas available and despite a fairly high 22:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is able to enroll fewer than 20 students in 42% of their course sections. The most popular major is health professions (19%) followed by business (17%), biology (13%), the social sciences (11%), and psychology (8%). An increasingly competitive university, USF’s nursing and psychology programs are top notch and the business, engineering, and computer science majors are great values.

Professional Outcomes:  Employers that gobble up significant numbers of University of South Florida alumni include Citi, Moffitt Cancer Center, BayCare Health System, Tampa General Hospital, Raymond James, Centene Corporation, Deloitte, Microsoft, AWS, and Kforce. Therefore it’s little surprise that a study by the Florida Board of Governors revealed that USF is a highly-rated contributor to the local economy, represents excellent value, and facilitates social mobility.

• Enrollment: 38,046
• Cost of Attendance: $20,005 (In-State); $30,919 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 44%

SUNY New Paltz

• New Paltz, NY

Academic Highlights: Undergrads can choose from nearly 100 different majors across five colleges: the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Fine & Performing Arts, and the School of Science & Engineering. The most popular undergraduate programs include psychology, early childhood and childhood education, sociology, digital media production, visual arts, communication studies, English, biology, mechanical engineering, and communication disorders. 41% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 60% of recent alumni were employed and 28% were heading to graduate school. Top sectors for recent alumni include education, operations, community & social services, administrative, engineering, healthcare services, arts & design, and media & communication. Popular employers included SUNY New Paltz itself, the NYC Department of Education, IBM, Target, Amazon, Hudson Valley Credit Union, and Northwell Health.

• Enrollment: 6,090 (undergraduate); 874 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,388 (in-state); $37,298 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 58%
• Graduation Rate: 73%

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

• Knoxville, TN

Academic Highlights:  With 360 undergraduate programs, 14 degree-granting colleges and schools, 500 study abroad programs, and 1,700 instructional faculty, nothing is small at the University of Tennessee. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, this university offers 28% of courses in a more intimate setting of fewer than 20 students; the bulk of courses enroll 20-49 students (57%). Business (24%) is easily the most popular major with engineering (11%), biology (7%), the social sciences (7%), and parks and recreation (7%) next in line.

Professional Outcomes:  Six months after receiving their diplomas, 64% of UT-Knoxville alumni have found jobs and 27% have started their graduate school careers. The top employers of the Class of 2023 were the UT Medical Center, PepsiCo, and Axle Logistics. Among those headed to graduate/professional school, the five most commonly attended institutions were the University of Tennessee, UT Health Science Center, Lincoln Memorial University, East Tennessee University, and Belmont University.

• Enrollment: 27,039
• Cost of Attendance: $33,910 (In-State); $52,400 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1235
• Acceptance Rate: 68%

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

• Lincoln, NE

Academic Highlights: There are more than 150 majors at the University of Nebraska and students enjoy a mix of smaller classes (34% have fewer than 20 students) and larger ones (18% have more than 50). Overall, 23% of the undergraduate degrees conferred are in business and 11% are in engineering. The next most common disciplines are agriculture (9%), journalism (8%), and family & consumer sciences (7%). Business, computer science, engineering, and psychology all receive their share of acclaim.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduating, alumni have entered the workforce at a 63% clip and 35% have matriculated into graduate/professional school. Employers hiring more than a few recent graduates included Microsoft, Deloitte, Amazon, Epic, Union Bank & Trust Company, and Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation. Multiple grads enrolled at the following graduate/professional schools: the University of Nebraska College of Law, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and Boston University.

• Enrollment: 19,189
• Cost of Attendance: $28,594 (In-State); $46,234 (Out-of-State)

San Diego State University

• San Diego, CA

Academic Highlights: SDSU has nearly 160 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Classes tend to be on the large side—28% of course sections enroll more than 40 students, and only 31% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. Business/marketing accounts for 21% of the degrees conferred, making it the school’s most popular area of study. Next in line are engineering (9%), psychology (8%), and the social sciences (7%). Engineering and computer science majors tend to fare quite well in the booming local tech and startup scene.

Professional Outcomes: At the time of receiving their degrees, roughly 75% of newly minted SDSU graduates already have their next phase of life planned. 34% of recent grads had secured full-time employment, 21% were engaged in military service/volunteer work/part-time employment, and 17% were entering graduate or professional school. Qualcomm is the largest employer of Aztec alumni, and it is followed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and a number of other Silicon Valley-based tech companies.

• Enrollment: 31,724 (undergraduate); 4,913 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $34,072 (in-state); $46,952 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 39%

University of Nevada Las Vegas

• Las Vegas, NV

Academic Highlights:  UNLV allows undergraduates to choose from 76 majors and 70 minors, all with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. In total, 43% of course sections take place in a smaller setting capped at 19 students. The academic area attracting the most attention is business (23%), although psychology (9%), health professions and related programs (8%), the social sciences (7%), homeland security & law enforcement (7%), and the visual and performing arts (6%) are also quite popular.

Professional Outcomes:  Remaining in the Las Vegas Area after graduating is the most common move for UNLV alum, but sizable numbers also flock to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, and Dallas. The companies employing the greatest number of alumni are the Clark County School District, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Amazon, Wynn Las Vegas, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, and Resorts World Las Vegas.

• Enrollment: 25,365
• Cost of Attendance: $26,591 (In-State); $47,351 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1120
• Median ACT: 21
• Retention Rate: 77%
• Graduation Rate: 47%

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A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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1-25 of 31 results

Columbia University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,357 reviews

Freshman: It has been great! Being in NYC is a very special aspect of college life here, but Columbia also feels very separate from the city so you don't get distracted. The party scene for me is dull, I barely find parties to go to (or people to go with) but I'm sure Greek life is having fun. The people are so diverse and brilliant and the academics have me more immersed than I have ever been. It has been tough to adjust but I think that's something we need to go through to grow. ... Read 1,357 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $12,411

SAT range 1470-1570

#1 Best Colleges in New York .

Blue checkmark.

NEW YORK, NY ,

1357 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It has been great! Being in NYC is a very special aspect of college life here, but Columbia also feels very separate from the city so you don't get distracted. The party scene for me is dull, I... .

Read 1357 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $12,411 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY •

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   488 reviews

Alum: Looking back on my experience, I feel as though I didn't appreciate everything Hamilton College did for me. When you're in the moment, it's easy to see all the bad and be frustrated with things like the crappy campus food, a poor party scene, and a major lack of diversity. But, looking back, I do miss my time at Hamilton. I miss living in a walking community, I miss all the free food and free merchandise the school gave me. I miss the diner. I miss having small classes and being close to my professors. The community there, although not perfect, came together in moments that mattered. The school could be better. The lack of accountability from the administration on social issues and a constant battle between hate speech and lack of punishment for students who harmed others was a constant in all my 4 years. I hope the students continue to push forward and force Hamilton into a socially-accountable mindset. ... Read 488 reviews

Acceptance rate 14%

Net price $26,803

SAT range 1410-1540

#5 Best Colleges in New York .

CLINTON, NY ,

488 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Looking back on my experience, I feel as though I didn't appreciate everything Hamilton College did for me. When you're in the moment, it's easy to see all the bad and be frustrated with things like... .

Read 488 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 14% ,

Net Price : $26,803 ,

SAT Range : 1410-1540 ,

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY •

• • Rating 3.65 out of 5   1,614 reviews

Junior: I came in as a transfer student last year and have had nothing but an amazing experience. The course work is challenging but rewarding. The professors really are here for you and will support you. The campus is beautiful and the food is good. I live off campus so can’t say a lot about the dorms. The party scene is okay, but it is there and can be very fun. The location is not the best as there’s isn’t much to do. Over all, I love this school! ... Read 1,614 reviews

• grade  A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 41%

Net price $40,125

SAT range 1370-1520

#9 Best Colleges in New York .

ROCHESTER, NY ,

1614 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I came in as a transfer student last year and have had nothing but an amazing experience. The course work is challenging but rewarding. The professors really are here for you and will support you.... .

Read 1614 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 41% ,

Net Price : $40,125 ,

SAT Range : 1370-1520 ,

SUNY Morrisville

MORRISVILLE, NY

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   367

John Cabot University

• • Rating 4.2 out of 5   283

New York Institute of Technology - Manhattan Campus

NEW YORK, NY

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   245

Yeshiva University

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   288 reviews

Alum: YU gives a great education, especially on the pre-medical track. The classes, faculty, and networking are all top-tier. Living in Midtown is really fun and there are so many volunteering opportunities around both through the school and external organizations. Definitely recommend YU! ... Read 288 reviews

• grade  A minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 63%

Net price $36,807

SAT range 1140-1410

#12 Best Colleges in New York .

288 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says YU gives a great education, especially on the pre-medical track. The classes, faculty, and networking are all top-tier. Living in Midtown is really fun and there are so many volunteering... .

Read 288 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 63% ,

Net Price : $36,807 ,

SAT Range : 1140-1410 ,

Binghamton University, SUNY

Vestal, NY •

• • Rating 3.64 out of 5   2,660 reviews

Alum: Binghamton was a good undergraduate choice. Academics were challenging but professors were willing to help. There were housing options, not all excellent and not cheap either. Area was good for college town, some things to do but not an overwhelming area. Campus was big enough to not know everyone, but small enough to have some community/ not physically get lost on campus either. ... Read 2,660 reviews

Acceptance rate 44%

Net price $17,881

SAT range 1310-1470

#13 Best Colleges in New York .

VESTAL, NY ,

2660 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Binghamton was a good undergraduate choice. Academics were challenging but professors were willing to help. There were housing options, not all excellent and not cheap either. Area was good for... .

Read 2660 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 44% ,

Net Price : $17,881 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1470 ,

Stony Brook University, SUNY

Stony Brook, NY •

• • Rating 3.54 out of 5   2,886 reviews

Freshman: Stony Brook has always been on my radar for potential colleges, but ever since becoming a student there, I would say it is my dream college. The students there aren't judgmental and mind their own business, but are active and willing to help; the professors there are often renowned for research and publications, but are mostly friendly and good at teaching; the campus is lively with plenty of people, but nature is prevalent - deer can be spotted once in a while! Transportation is convenient and accessible, which is great when the weather isn't good for walking outside. The only thing I want updated is the technology used for sharing and assigning class content, but that will come with time! Stony Brook University is always moving forward. ... Read 2,886 reviews

Acceptance rate 48%

Net price $16,445

SAT range 1300-1480

#17 Best Colleges in New York .

STONY BROOK, NY ,

2886 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Stony Brook has always been on my radar for potential colleges, but ever since becoming a student there, I would say it is my dream college. The students there aren't judgmental and mind their own... .

Read 2886 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 48% ,

Net Price : $16,445 ,

SAT Range : 1300-1480 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

University at Buffalo, SUNY

Buffalo, NY •

• • Rating 3.64 out of 5   3,116 reviews

Alum: UB is highly underrated, especially for computer science. The professors are top-notch and helped prepare me for a career after college. UB has many clubs and activities-there is something for everyone! I made life-long friends and got an internship between my junior and senior years that turned into a full-time position after graduation. ... Read 3,116 reviews

Acceptance rate 70%

Net price $17,954

SAT range 1180-1360

#18 Best Colleges in New York .

BUFFALO, NY ,

3116 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says UB is highly underrated, especially for computer science. The professors are top-notch and helped prepare me for a career after college. UB has many clubs and activities-there is something for... .

Read 3116 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 70% ,

Net Price : $17,954 ,

SAT Range : 1180-1360 ,

St. Bonaventure University

Saint Bonaventure, NY •

• • Rating 3.66 out of 5   482 reviews

Senior: I like that I can contact my professors at any moment and they can email me or meet me in person within a day. During COVID, all my classes were held in person, so no student was left behind or struggling with online courses. I now choose to take online courses, but that has not hindered my learning. Instead, it has motivated me to research further on the topics we discuss in lectures while I am completing assignments. I live off campus in a beautiful, antique house that is larger, cleaner, and more affordable than my house at home. It is surrounded by shops and local businesses that I frequent daily. Overall, St Bonaventure is a gem hidden in the beautiful, picturesque mountains of Allegany, NY, and I highly encourage anyone who seeks a peaceful getaway and affordable education to attend this university. ... Read 482 reviews

• grade  B+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 78%

Net price $25,533

SAT range 1070-1270

#27 Best Colleges in New York .

SAINT BONAVENTURE, NY ,

482 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I like that I can contact my professors at any moment and they can email me or meet me in person within a day. During COVID, all my classes were held in person, so no student was left behind or... .

Read 482 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 78% ,

Net Price : $25,533 ,

SAT Range : 1070-1270 ,

CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, NY •

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   1,286 reviews

Sophomore: How I would describe Brooklyn College is like a one-and-done go. I picked only two days to go to campus because I recently moved away from Brooklyn and it's a 2-hour commute from where I live now. My day there is attending my 4 classes and with the breaks in between them, I like to study in the library or finish up work that needs to be done during the weekend, have some lunch with my classmates, etc. The student life here I would say is very inclusive, most people have their groups and just stay to themselves. What I would like to see change is the conditions of the buildings and the club & association environment. The conditions are manageable but could be better, most of the time the elevator doesn't work, very bad wifi, and not too many areas to have lunch, hang out, or study (besides the library). But what I love about Brooklyn college is the diversity and professors, you will see people from all countries here and your professors care about your grades and wellbeing. ... Read 1,286 reviews

Acceptance rate 51%

Net price $4,254

SAT range 1020-1180

#33 Best Colleges in New York .

BROOKLYN, NY ,

1286 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says How I would describe Brooklyn College is like a one-and-done go. I picked only two days to go to campus because I recently moved away from Brooklyn and it's a 2-hour commute from where I live now. My... .

Read 1286 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 51% ,

Net Price : $4,254 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1180 ,

Pratt Institute

• • Rating 3.56 out of 5   865 reviews

Junior: Great education, and a great location. It provides a great environment for me to learn and grow my skills. The professors are good and the coursework is always of high expectation. It's facilities are always easy to use and are improved frequently. Allowing the students to be able to produce their projects the best way possible. There is always new and great technology in the labs and production facilities. The course work that is assigned always helps you improve and produce better work throught your time at Pratt. The campus is safe and inclusive as the public can walk in to enjoy the campus garden and sculptures. Safety is always great for the students that live there. The housing is good too with a wide variety of options from townhouses to other options for dorming. The campus is gated with a few buildings outside of the main blocks that are very nearby. Overall the environment is very friendly and its location is one of the best as it is located in Brooklyn with a nearby subway . ... Read 865 reviews

• grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 68%

Net price $46,486

SAT range 1190-1410

#51 Best Colleges in New York .

865 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Great education, and a great location. It provides a great environment for me to learn and grow my skills. The professors are good and the coursework is always of high expectation. It's facilities... .

Read 865 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 68% ,

Net Price : $46,486 ,

SAT Range : 1190-1410 ,

SUNY Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY •

• • Rating 3.59 out of 5   815 reviews

Senior: I did, in general, enjoy my time at Plattsburgh. I am proud of the person I have become, and the work I accomplished, during my time. In the 4 years here, there were only 2 members of faculty that I didn't like. Overall, I loved my professors and enjoyed my coursework. However. My largest gripe with Plattsburgh, is its blatant bias towards its athletics. Now, I am as far from athletic as I can get; I have multiple health issues which interfere with daily life. Because of these health issues, I would frequently try the campus's accessibility options. 'Try' being the operative word. The campus is plagued by useless "accessible" entrances. The automatic entrance, the main entrance, of the College Center was nonfunctional for an entire semester. The ramps for one building were far too steep, while another ramp had 90-degree turns. The wheelchair lift in one building was broken, and had been that way for years. With all of that in mind: The school just spent $35million on a new gym. ... Read 815 reviews

Net price $15,421

SAT range 1050-1240

#55 Best Colleges in New York .

PLATTSBURGH, NY ,

815 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says I did, in general, enjoy my time at Plattsburgh. I am proud of the person I have become, and the work I accomplished, during my time. In the 4 years here, there were only 2 members of faculty that I... However. My largest gripe with Plattsburgh, is its blatant bias towards its athletics. Now, I am as far from athletic as I can get; I have multiple health issues which interfere with daily life. Because of... The campus is plagued by useless "accessible" entrances. The automatic entrance, the main entrance, of the College Center was nonfunctional for an entire semester. The ramps for one building were far... With all of that in mind: The school just spent $35million on a new gym. .

Read 815 reviews.

Net Price : $15,421 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1240 ,

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY •

• • Rating 3.58 out of 5   2,077 reviews

Senior: Ithaca College is the perfect place for those who want a smaller-school experience. With Ithaca College being right next door to Cornell University, it really makes for an overall pleasurably off-campus experience. Take a stroll through the commons (bookstores, banks, thrift stores, etc.); experience the waterfalls and gorges; and most importantly, bask in the great view of the lakes from the hilltops of campus. Ithaca college is not for the faint-of-heart. Wild weather the results from being so close to the lakes ("the lake effect") can really shock people when they first arrive but I find that it always keeps me on my toes. The dining hall food is not the best however, there are many other dining options like in IC Square there are food places that use "bomber bucks" that have higher quality, tasty food. The professors (in my departments) are so caring and funny and super chill. Talk to them and they will talk to you. Overall, I love the community at Ithaca College. ... Read 2,077 reviews

Net price $35,327

SAT range —

#58 Best Colleges in New York .

ITHACA, NY ,

2077 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says Ithaca College is the perfect place for those who want a smaller-school experience. With Ithaca College being right next door to Cornell University, it really makes for an overall pleasurably... .

Read 2077 reviews.

Net Price : $35,327 ,

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SUNY Oswego

Oswego, NY •

• • Rating 3.57 out of 5   1,528 reviews

Sophomore: The normal involvement of a SUNY Oswego understudy is checked by scholarly thoroughness, dynamic campus life, and differing extracurricular openings. Campus life flourishes with an cluster of understudy organizations, social occasions, and recreational exercises, cultivating a solid sense of community and social network. Numerous understudies effectively take an interest in extracurricular exercises, counting clubs, sports, and volunteer activities, which not as it were enhance their college involvement but moreover develop administration abilities and social obligation. SUNY Oswego helps the community cultivating associations between understudies and the neighborhood community. Backed by different campus assets such as scholarly exhorting and counseling administrations, understudies experience individual development and advancement, sharpening basic considering abilities and developing their understanding of themselves and the world around them. ... Read 1,528 reviews

Acceptance rate 80%

Net price $15,078

SAT range 1060-1280

#60 Best Colleges in New York .

OSWEGO, NY ,

1528 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The normal involvement of a SUNY Oswego understudy is checked by scholarly thoroughness, dynamic campus life, and differing extracurricular openings. Campus life flourishes with an cluster of... .

Read 1528 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 80% ,

Net Price : $15,078 ,

SAT Range : 1060-1280 ,

The New School

• • Rating 3.58 out of 5   653 reviews

Alum: The New School was a creative hub that drew in different types of people all on their own journeys. Due to the nature of the Greenwich Village campus, student life/socializing was lackluster, and there was little community organizing. I felt liberated in the open-ended curriculum but also not set up to join the work force. ... Read 653 reviews

• grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 66%

Net price $43,547

SAT range 1150-1380

653 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says The New School was a creative hub that drew in different types of people all on their own journeys. Due to the nature of the Greenwich Village campus, student life/socializing was lackluster, and... .

Read 653 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 66% ,

Net Price : $43,547 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1380 ,

Canisius University

• • Rating 3.68 out of 5   793 reviews

Junior: Going to Canisius was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I owe a lot of my personal development to my time at this school. Canisius is a fairly small school and I've found so much comfort in knowing that there are familiar faces everywhere I go. Because of the smaller class sizes, I've been able to make meaningful connections with professors who have gone to support me throughout my entire college career. Canisius University likes to advertise that this is a school "where leaders are made" and I have to say, I couldn't agree more. My peers and I are all incredibly involved in on-campus activities, many of us holding leadership positions, getting real-world work and research experience, and always taking advantage of the unique experiences that Canisius provides to its students. There's a place and a niche for everyone here. ... Read 793 reviews

Acceptance rate 81%

Net price $18,486

SAT range 1050-1250

793 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Going to Canisius was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I owe a lot of my personal development to my time at this school. Canisius is a fairly small school and I've found so much comfort in... .

Read 793 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 81% ,

Net Price : $18,486 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1250 ,

SUNY Potsdam

Potsdam, NY •

• • Rating 3.52 out of 5   764 reviews

Junior: Overall, I've had a great experience at Potsdam. In my academic department, there are great resources, professors, and overall classroom culture that expands my learning and gives me opportunities to produce research, get real experience, and build good skills! I've also interacted with the music, theater, dance, and arts management departments, and they have been nothing short of the most kind and fun people to be around. ... Read 764 reviews

Net price $14,494

POTSDAM, NY ,

764 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Overall, I've had a great experience at Potsdam. In my academic department, there are great resources, professors, and overall classroom culture that expands my learning and gives me opportunities to... .

Read 764 reviews.

Net Price : $14,494 ,

SUNY Nassau Community College

Garden City, NY •

• • Rating 3.66 out of 5   1,120 reviews

Freshman: I appreciate its diverse student body and faculty, which enriches the learning environment and promotes cultural exchange. The college also offers support services such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling to help us students succeed academically and professionally.Like any educational institution, there may be areas for improvement. Some students may wish to see expanded course offerings, updated facilities, or increased access to resources and extracurricular activities. SUNY Nassau Community College plays an important role in providing quality higher education opportunities to students in the region. I don’t really know if there’s something to change because i like everything . ... Read 1,120 reviews

• grade  C+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $6,730

GARDEN CITY, NY ,

1120 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I appreciate its diverse student body and faculty, which enriches the learning environment and promotes cultural exchange. The college also offers support services such as academic advising,... SUNY Nassau Community College plays an important role in providing quality higher education opportunities to students in the region. I don’t really know if there’s something to change because i like everything . .

Read 1120 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $6,730 ,

Hartwick College

Oneonta, NY •

• • Rating 3.45 out of 5   555 reviews

Works Here: Very smart place full of kind people. Set on an amazing hill. What's not to like? You can hike, ski, build, learn, explore, eat great food, make amazing friends and more! ... Read 555 reviews

Acceptance rate 96%

Net price $22,523

SAT range 1000-1220

ONEONTA, NY ,

555 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Works Here says Very smart place full of kind people. Set on an amazing hill. What's not to like? You can hike, ski, build, learn, explore, eat great food, make amazing friends and more! .

Read 555 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 96% ,

Net Price : $22,523 ,

SAT Range : 1000-1220 ,

SUNY Finger Lakes Community College

Canandaigua, NY •

• • Rating 3.78 out of 5   373 reviews

Freshman: My overall experience at Finger Lakes Community College is extraordinary! The professors I have had the privilege of meeting have exceeded my expectations. I am a 4.0 student who is looking to pursue a Criminal Justice major. I found this passion achievable thanks to my Intro to Psychology class with professor Matthew Holla, and my Abnormal Psychology class with Professor Canose. I would recommend this college to those who are still unsure of their passions. FLCC helped me pave the way to finding what I value most in a career. ... Read 373 reviews

Net price $11,086

CANANDAIGUA, NY ,

373 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My overall experience at Finger Lakes Community College is extraordinary! The professors I have had the privilege of meeting have exceeded my expectations. I am a 4.0 student who is looking to pursue... .

Read 373 reviews.

Net Price : $11,086 ,

SUNY Monroe Community College

• • Rating 3.78 out of 5   656 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience with MCC has been very positive. The courses offered are high quality. There is flexibility with modality of courses available. The school provides a wide array of resources available to help students succeed in both their personal and professional life including childcare assistance, personal wellness, and financial counseling services. For the most part there is consistency among professors regarding communication, course format and grading but every once in a while, you experience a professor that is unconventional and inconsistent. ... Read 656 reviews

Net price $7,150

656 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My overall experience with MCC has been very positive. The courses offered are high quality. There is flexibility with modality of courses available. The school provides a wide array of resources... .

Read 656 reviews.

Net Price : $7,150 ,

St. Thomas Aquinas College

Sparkill, NY •

• • Rating 3.48 out of 5   162 reviews

Freshman: St Thomas Aquinas College is a college that makes me feel welcomed and gives me many programs to allow myself and my career to grow into the real world, and hope to get that good future that everyone dreams of. ... Read 162 reviews

Acceptance rate 89%

Net price $18,502

SAT range 970-1190

SPARKILL, NY ,

162 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says St Thomas Aquinas College is a college that makes me feel welcomed and gives me many programs to allow myself and my career to grow into the real world, and hope to get that good future that everyone... .

Read 162 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 89% ,

Net Price : $18,502 ,

SAT Range : 970-1190 ,

SUNY Adirondack Community College

Queensbury, NY •

• • Rating 3.62 out of 5   395 reviews

Senior: overall it has been okay, this school is slightly too strict with a lot of the rules, also beware of the nuggets sometimes they are undercooked and give you food poisoning. And sometimes the staff is a little less than professional but the diversity is great and the opportunity I have had to graduated a whole year earlier than I was supposed to absolutely a blessing. ... Read 395 reviews

Net price $7,619

QUEENSBURY, NY ,

395 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says overall it has been okay, this school is slightly too strict with a lot of the rules, also beware of the nuggets sometimes they are undercooked and give you food poisoning. And sometimes the staff is... .

Read 395 reviews.

Net Price : $7,619 ,

SUNY Buffalo State University

• • Rating 3.49 out of 5   1,522 reviews

Alum: I recently graduated from Buff State in May 2023 and I will be attending again in the Fall for graduate school! While I didn't have the best advisor, I had really great and supportive professors who prepared me to become a secondary teacher! I've watched Buff State bounce back after the pandemic and the on-campus events are always fun to attend! ... Read 1,522 reviews

Acceptance rate 85%

Net price $9,998

SAT range 930-1160

1522 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I recently graduated from Buff State in May 2023 and I will be attending again in the Fall for graduate school! While I didn't have the best advisor, I had really great and supportive professors who... I've watched Buff State bounce back after the pandemic and the on-campus events are always fun to attend! .

Read 1522 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 85% ,

Net Price : $9,998 ,

SAT Range : 930-1160 ,

SUNY Purchase College

Purchase, NY •

• • Rating 3.44 out of 5   1,170 reviews

Freshman: While I am definitely enjoying my time at Purchase, there are a few things that I would like to see change. First, the food. There are not enough options for meals and most of time, the food is hit or miss. It is hard to find healthy food as well. Some berries would be greatly appreciated! The dorms are also not great, but could be worse. ... Read 1,170 reviews

• grade  C Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 75%

Net price $19,458

SAT range 1120-1320

PURCHASE, NY ,

1170 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says While I am definitely enjoying my time at Purchase, there are a few things that I would like to see change. First, the food. There are not enough options for meals and most of time, the food is hit... .

Read 1170 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C ,

Acceptance Rate : 75% ,

Net Price : $19,458 ,

SAT Range : 1120-1320 ,

Manhattanville College

• • Rating 3.43 out of 5   874 reviews

Junior: Manhattanville College has a beautiful campus with the spot light of the castle. In general there could be some updating in the classrooms and buildings. The nursing program is a bit unorganized. The professors are hit or miss, either have never taught in their life and do not know what they are doing OR they could be amazing. Overall I think they can strengthen the nursing program with educated and experienced professors and better learning equipment. The school is very diverse and open to different things. ... Read 874 reviews

Acceptance rate 83%

Net price $21,969

SAT range 1020-1230

874 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Manhattanville College has a beautiful campus with the spot light of the castle. In general there could be some updating in the classrooms and buildings. The nursing program is a bit unorganized. The... .

Read 874 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 83% ,

Net Price : $21,969 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1230 ,

University of Maine at Farmington

FARMINGTON, ME

• • Rating 3.63 out of 5   427

South Coast College

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   21

Miami University

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   3,422

Showing results 1 through 25 of 31

• Best Online Doctoral Programs

Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

Published: Apr 23, 2024, 1:42pm

The best online doctoral programs offer flexibility and convenience that can make it easier for you to pursue an advanced degree, often while working full time.

Earning a doctorate can help you advance to the highest roles in your field and increase your salary potential. It’s also a chance for you to gain an advanced understanding of impactful issues and develop the skills to generate new ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.

Below, learn about the best online doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including social work, psychology, education and nursing.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in the U.S. using metrics in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following data points:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the best schools to display in 10 categories of doctoral degrees.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Colleges With A 100% Acceptance Rate
• Best HBCUs With Online Degrees
• Best Online Colleges
• Best Online Master's Programs
• What Are The Best Online Public Universities

Degree Finder

Best online doctoral program options.

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Should You Enroll in an Online Ph.D. Program or Doctorate?

Accreditation for online doctoral degrees, how to find the right online doctorate for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. programs and doctorates.

• Best online Psy.D.: Rivier University
• Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida
• Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College
• Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Best online doctorate in education: Johns Hopkins University
• Best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University
• Best online Ph.D. in counseling: Concordia University-Irvine
• Best online Doctor of Social Work: University of Southern California
• Best online Ph.D. in public administration: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Best online doctorate in educational leadership: Fairfield University

Featured Online Schools

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Best Online Psy.D.

Rivier university.

Program Tuition Rate

$1,275/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a limited number of online classes. The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments. You’ll learn clinical diagnosis, assessment, prevention and intervention skills.

Students must attend full time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. It takes a minimum of five years to graduate.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60-130 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of research, group counseling
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes a 2,000-hour internship and at least six practicum experiences

Best Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of central florida.

$372/credit (in-state)

At University of Central Florida (UCF), practicing nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The advanced track program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares nurses for clinical leadership roles in the field.

Coursework explores clinical management, communication skills and epidemiology principles. You’ll develop research and practice skills, learn to improve healthcare systems, develop health policy and analyze data to improve individual and population health.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and policy, nursing environment management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes clinical hours (but all coursework is available online)

Best Doctor of Business Administration

Walsh college.

$1,038/credit

You can earn an online Doctor of Business Administration from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. The part-time, online program includes asynchronous coursework and real-time Zoom classes, as well as optional opportunities to interact on campus. You can develop advanced business knowledge and skills to become a business leader or consultant.

In addition to coursework, you must pass a preliminary exam and complete a 15-credit dissertation process. The program requires students to graduate within seven years.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations for business success, qualitative and exploratory research methods
• In-Person Requirements: No

Best Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Texas tech university health sciences center.

$265/credit (in-state)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center designed its hybrid Doctor of Science in physical therapy to help practicing physical therapists advance their careers. The post-professional 36-credit program takes four to five years to complete part time.

The flexible format makes it possible for students to keep working while attending school. Learners attend weekend lectures and labs at the Lubbock, Texas, campus. During the week, they supplement their in-person instruction with online assignments.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Medical screening for rehabilitation sciences, motor control in orthopedics
• Concentrations Available: Research track, teaching track
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Johns hopkins university.

$2,100/credit

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland offers an online Ed.D. The part-time degree takes four years to complete and explores topics like the social determinants of education, entrepreneurship and technology.

You can customize the degree by choosing electives that align with your professional interests and by selecting one or more “areas of interest,” such as urban leadership or digital age learning and educational technology. Applicants need a master’s degree with at least 36 graduate credits to qualify for the program.

• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Approaches to urban education, partnerships and community organizing
• Concentrations Available: Creativity, advanced learning, and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain, and teaching; urban leadership

Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Indiana wesleyan university.

$890/credit

Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership that can prepare you to become an effective leader in as few as four years. The program focuses on inclusion, multiculturalism and international perspectives and develops research, presentation and executive skills.

You must attend an in-person residency during the July session, but the rest of the program takes place online and offers flexibility for working professionals. The school’s tuition guarantee locks in your tuition rate when you start the program.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced leadership theory, statistical research design
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes an in-person residency

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Concordia university – irvine.

$795/credit

Concordia University – Irvine in Irvine, California, is a Christian institution that offers a “biblically informed” online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from its Townsend Institute. Designed for licensed mental health professionals, the degree develops advanced skills and prepares you for leadership roles in counseling, teaching and advocacy.

The accelerated program takes three to four years to complete. It requires two in-person residencies and a total of 700 hours of internship and practicum field experiences. In addition to coursework, you must complete a culminating 12-credit dissertation that includes original counseling research and a successful oral defense.

• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced counseling and career theories, advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship

Best Online Doctor of Social Work

University of southern california.

$2,137/credit

University of Southern California ‘s online Doctor of Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of scholarship and practice in the field. Created for experienced social work professionals, the program can help you become a leader working toward social change and innovation.

The program offers a seven-semester accelerated track and a standard nine-semester option. In a capstone experience, learners research and create a prototype that addresses a current problem in social work.

• Application Fee: $90
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leading public discourse, financial management for social change

Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration

West chester university of pennsylvania.

$645/credit (in-state)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania ’s online Doctor of Public Administration can prepare you for high-level roles in public affairs and administration. The program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management, accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Department of Public Policy and Administration, accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

The curriculum explores strategic management, policy advocacy and decision-making in the public sector. The dissertation allows you to complete an applied research project. You can take electives and choose a concentration from multiple departments, including psychology, graduate social work and criminal justice.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public sector management and governance, research design for program and policy evaluation
• Concentrations Available: Options from multiple departments

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Fairfield university.

$1,120/credit

At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, you can earn an online, low-residency Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The program offers two tracks: teacher leader for certified working educators or higher education administration for higher education professionals.

Students enroll in the cohort-style program in the fall and graduate in three years by taking six credits per semester. Learners can build community during two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 57
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Action research for educational change, framing and critical analysis of problems of practice
• Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two one-week residencies

An online Ph.D. program or doctorate can offer many compelling features for students, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider the questions below when deciding whether to pursue your doctorate online or in person.

• What type of schedule do you need? Online programs typically offer more flexibility that appeals to students who work full time or have personal responsibilities to fit around their school schedule. Online degrees allow learners to pursue higher education without putting their career on hold. This is especially true for programs that offer asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.
• What learning style works best for you? Do you work well independently and with a lot of freedom? If so, an online doctorate might be a good fit for you. If you think you’d prefer the camaraderie of an in-person cohort graduate program and structured opportunities to interact with instructors, an on-campus or hybrid program might suit you better.
• How does the program format affect your budget? Online programs can help you save on tuition, housing and transportation costs. For example, many public schools allow you to pay the same tuition, regardless of where you live. However, you might miss funding opportunities typically reserved for on-campus students, such as graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies that give schools institutional accreditation in the U.S.

Institutional accreditation means that a university has met minimum quality requirements related to its academics, financial management, faculty and staff, and student resources and services. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited college.

Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that gives special recognition to individual degrees, programs or departments within a university. Depending on your field, you might need a programmatically accredited degree to get a job or qualify for professional licenses or certifications.

You can search for a prospective school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate has the potential to help you achieve your career aspirations. However, not every program in your field will necessarily align with your goals. Before you choose an online doctorate program, think about your post-graduation plans.

For example, some online doctorate programs require professional experience through an internship or a practicum. This type of hands-on learning can help you develop your expertise and professional network. But these experiences usually take place in person and can be hard to fit into your schedule if you’re working full time.

You should also consider if you need a specific license or certification to get the job you want. If so, research the credential’s requirements to learn if your degree needs to meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to complete an accredited program or complete supervised clinical hours.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for online doctoral programs in our guide vary significantly, from $265 to $2,137 per credit. Most programs required 42 to 60 credits, with some exceptions. In total, the degrees ranked on our list cost between $9,540 and $113,400.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , grad students at private, nonprofit schools paid an average tuition of $20,408 in 2022–23, while public school tuition cost $11,554 per year. Doctorate programs typically take at least three years to complete, putting total costs between $34,662 and $61,224.

Find funding for your online Ph.D. by filling out the FAFSA®, which can connect you with scholarships, grants and student loans. Many schools also provide funding to graduate students through scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Can you do a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online Ph.D. programs. However, depending on the program and the field of study, you may need to complete on-campus residencies or field experiences like internships or practicums that take place in person.

What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?

Program length for online Ph.D. programs varies depending on your field of study. You might be able to find some accelerated online Ph.D. programs that you can finish in less than two years. However, the best online doctoral programs on our list take at least three years to complete.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

An online doctoral degree from an accredited university can provide the same rigorous education and training as a comparable on-campus program. If you’re concerned about whether or not your degree will be respected, consider doing some research about the way that your field or profession tends to view online doctoral degrees.

What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?

The best online school for a Ph.D. depends on your field of study, personal interests and career goals. Make sure that any prospective online school is institutionally accredited. Depending on the degree you want to pursue, it might also be important to find a program with separate programmatic accreditation.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.